Measles Outbreak Expands in Texas as Health Officials Warn of Contagion

AUSTIN, Texas — Health officials confirmed that the number of measles cases in an outbreak centered in Gaines County has surged to 24. This increase comes amidst concurrent investigations into recently diagnosed cases at a migrant shelter in New York City, where at least two individuals were diagnosed with the disease.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the new cases in Gaines County doubled in under two weeks, rising from just six cases reported on February 5. All infected individuals are unvaccinated residents of Gaines County, which is experiencing a concentrated outbreak.

Sixteen of the infected patients are school-aged children, while two are adults aged 18 and over. The DSHS indicated that nine of the patients required hospitalization. “Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities,” the agency noted in a statement.

The DSHS is collaborating with the South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health to investigate the outbreak. The recent rise in cases highlights the critical nature of vaccination. All infected patients in the current outbreak were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status was undetermined.

The measles virus, known for its high level of contagiousness, can live on surfaces and in the air for several hours. It spreads through direct contact with contagious droplets or through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Symptoms usually arise within one to two weeks, beginning with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a flat, red rash that starts at the face and can spread across the body.

Officials are urging anyone who suspects they may have measles or have been exposed to the virus to isolate and contact their healthcare provider prior to any testing.

In parallel, New Mexico’s Department of Health reported a confirmed measles case in an unvaccinated teenager in Lea County, which borders Gaines County. This case marks New Mexico’s first measles identification in 2025. Despite the proximity, health officials have noted that the Lea County individual had no recent travel history and no known exposure to anyone in the Texas outbreak.

The DSHS emphasizes that staying updated on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection. Miranda Durham, MD, chief medical officer for the New Mexico Department of Health, stated, “Measles can spread easily, whether you’re in Lea County or elsewhere in the state, if you’re not current on the MMR vaccine.”

The urgency of the measles situation recalls prior outbreaks and emphasizes the importance of vaccination in protecting public health. This outbreak comes nearly two decades after measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.