Measles Outbreak Spreads Across Texas and Beyond, Claiming Lives

Gaines County, Texas — Measles cases continue to rise in Texas and New Mexico, spreading to neighboring states such as Oklahoma and Kansas. As of now, over 636 cases have been reported nationwide, with 584 tied to outbreaks and 52 related to international travel.

The Texas outbreak began in late January, when two cases were reported in Gaines County, a rural area. The situation escalated quickly, with the virus infecting at least 471 unvaccinated individuals, including children and adults. Health officials report that at least 56 have been hospitalized, and two children have died, marking the first measles-related fatalities in the U.S. in a decade.

According to Texas health officials, the outbreak is expected to continue unless vaccination rates increase. New Mexico has declared an outbreak in Lea County, which borders Gaines County. While officials state that the New Mexico cases are likely related to the Texas outbreak, they have not confirmed any direct connection. The state has reported cases across two counties, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals.

The outbreak has also impacted Kansas, which has seen cases primarily among unvaccinated children. The initial infections were clustered in the southwestern region, near the Oklahoma border. Officials indicate that genetic sequencing suggests these cases are linked to the ongoing outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.

Oklahoma has reported cases as well, but has not disclosed specific locations. Notices from the state health department have cited exposure venues within the community. Other outbreaks are occurring in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and Bergen County, New Jersey, both of which are unrelated to the Texas outbreak.

Measles is known to be one of the most contagious viruses, spreading rapidly among unvaccinated populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that in a community without immunity, one infected person could potentially infect up to 18 others. To contain the outbreak, vaccination coverage needs to be over 94 percent, allowing each infected individual to spread the virus to fewer than one other person.

Although most measles cases resolve without long-term effects, the virus can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and in rare cases, death. According to the CDC, one or two out of every 1,000 children infected will die from the disease.

The infection also impairs the immune system, rendering individuals vulnerable to other diseases. Health experts emphasize the importance of receiving two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (M.M.R.) vaccine, which are 97 percent effective in preventing infection.

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, primarily due to successful vaccination campaigns. However, vaccination rates have been declining, raising concerns over the reemergence of outbreaks. In Gaines County, where the current outbreak began, vaccination rates among children are low, particularly among the large Mennonite community.

Last year, approximately 82 percent of kindergarten students in Gaines County received the M.M.R. vaccine, significantly lower than the 95 percent threshold needed for herd immunity. Although Texas requires vaccinations for school attendance, parents can opt-out for “reasons of conscience,” resulting in higher exemption rates in certain areas.

One school district, Loop Independent School District, has reported the lowest vaccination rate in the state, with only 46 percent of kindergarten students receiving their M.M.R. vaccine in 2023. This is a stark drop from 82 percent in 2019. Conversely, Lea County in New Mexico has a higher vaccination rate among children and teens at about 94 percent, but adult vaccination rates are concerningly low, with 63 percent having received at least one dose of the M.M.R. vaccine.