The measles outbreak in West Texas shows no signs of slowing, with confirmed cases reaching 742 as of June 6. Nationwide, the total number of reported infections has surpassed 1,168 across 33 states.
Since May 30, West Texas has documented four new measles cases, maintaining a concentrated and ongoing outbreak. Hospitalizations account for 94 of the total confirmed cases. Health officials estimate that less than 1% of these individuals remain contagious.
Measles: Risks and Symptoms
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies measles as a highly contagious airborne illness, capable of infecting up to 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus. Symptoms usually develop within 7 to 14 days and include a rash, high fever, cough, and runny nose.
While many cases are mild to moderate, measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Children under five, adults over 20, and immunocompromised individuals face the highest risks.
Prior to the vaccine’s introduction in 1963, measles infected millions in the U.S. annually, causing up to 500 deaths each year. Thanks to widespread immunization, the CDC declared measles eliminated in the U.S. by 2000. However, vaccination declines have prompted renewed concern. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation report found that 39 states did not meet the CDC’s 95% vaccination target for kindergarteners during the 2023-24 school year, up from 28 states in 2019-20.
Details of the Texas Outbreak
Since late January, 35 counties in Texas have reported cases linked to this outbreak. Gaines County leads with 411 cases, followed by Terry (60), El Paso (57), Lubbock (53), Dawson (27), Lamar (21), and Yoakum (20) counties.
Among those affected, 218 are children aged four and younger, 281 are between 5 and 17, and 239 are adults 18 and older. Age information is pending for four patients.
Tragically, the state has recorded its first measles-related death since 2015—a school-age child who was unvaccinated and had no known preexisting conditions. A second pediatric death occurred in early April, prompting a visit from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who supports MMR vaccination despite holding controversial views on vaccines.
Vaccination Coverage and Challenges
In Gaines County, MMR vaccination coverage for kindergarteners was around 82% during the 2023-24 school year—one of the lowest rates in Texas. Approximately 18% of kindergarteners and nearly 14% of all K-12 students claimed exemptions from vaccination on conscientious grounds.
State health officials report that of the 742 confirmed cases in Texas, 705 involved individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Measles Spread in Neighboring States
New Mexico has reported 81 cases across seven counties, including seven hospitalizations. Lea County, which borders Gaines County, accounts for 67 cases. Other counties affected include Sandoval (6), Eddy (3), Dona Ana (2), and one case each in San Juan, Chaves, and Curry counties.
In March, an unvaccinated adult in Lea County who recently died tested positive for measles, with investigations ongoing.
Oklahoma has confirmed 15 cases and identified 3 suspected cases, mostly linked to exposures in West Texas and New Mexico. Most patients were unvaccinated.
Kansas has reported 71 cases across 11 counties, primarily in the southwest region, including 25 cases in Gray County. Most infections involve unvaccinated children under five and youths aged 5 to 17.
National Context
As of June 5, the CDC reports 1,168 measles cases in 33 states, including Alaska, California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Washington. Hospitalizations represent about 12% of cases.
Among these cases, 95% are among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Two percent had received one dose of the MMR vaccine, and three percent had received two doses.
This year’s numbers mark the highest measles incidence since 2019, when nearly 1,300 cases were recorded—the largest U.S. outbreak in decades. Last year saw only 285 cases.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation
Vaccine skepticism continues to hinder outbreak control. Surveys indicate Republicans are twice as likely as Democrats to view the measles vaccine as more dangerous than the disease itself.
Health officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles and urge communities to improve immunization rates to prevent further spread.
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