Measles Exposure Reported at Texas Tech University, Health Officials Respond

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Texas Tech University has alerted its faculty, staff, and students about a potential measles exposure that occurred on campus. The exposure was noted within the Carpenter-Wells Complex and the Student Health Services Clinic between March 4 and March 12, 2025.

Individuals who were present at these locations during the specified timeframe may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. The university has assured that those identified as having possible exposure will receive direct communication. This precaution follows an alarming rise in regional measles cases, with 279 confirmed cases reported as of March 18.

In an effort to curb the spread, Lubbock’s Public Health Department is providing measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines at no cost. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination as the most effective defense against measles. Students are encouraged to check their vaccination status and seek out the Student Health Services for assistance.

According to the health department, symptoms of measles typically manifest 7 to 14 days after exposure, though they can appear up to 21 days later. Common symptoms include fever and rash. Anyone who experiences these symptoms following potential exposure is urged to seek medical attention immediately.

This outbreak coincides with a serious incident at the University Medical Center Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, where a woman unknowingly gave birth while infected with measles. This incident has put dozens of new moms, newborns, and families at risk, prompting hospital staff to implement emergency measures, including masking policies and administering immunoglobulin shots to affected infants.

The treatment for newborns exposed to measles is crucial, as viral particles can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Chad Curry, training chief for University Medical Center EMS, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “These babies didn’t ask for this exposure… But at the end of the day, this is the only way we can protect them.”

Public health officials are extending their outreach to inform everyone who may have come into contact with the infected mother, as they reassess strategies to manage the escalating outbreak. Katherine Wells, the director of public health for Lubbock, expressed concern that recent progress had been undone, stating, “This feels like we’re back to square one.”

The outbreak, which originated in West Texas, has now spread into New Mexico and has recently seen cases confirmed in other areas. According to the latest statistics, there have been 259 reported measles cases in the area, with the majority affecting children and teenagers. Tragically, a child and an adult have died in connection to the outbreak, neither having been vaccinated.

Curry emphasized that the newborns receiving immunoglobulin will still require vaccinations when they are older, noting, “This is only good for a small, short period of time. They still need to be vaccinated. That is the only total protection.”