Measles Outbreak in Texas, New Mexico Spreads to Neighboring States

EL PASO, Texas – A measles outbreak that began in Texas is spreading rapidly across the region, impacting New Mexico and reaching into neighboring Oklahoma and Kansas, according to health officials. As of now, 1,173 confirmed or probable measles cases have been recorded nationwide, marking a difficult year for public health.

Health officials report that the outbreak began in late January in Gaines County, a rural part of Texas. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has escalated, with at least 705 cases involving unvaccinated children and adults.

At least 94 people have been hospitalized due to the virus, and two unvaccinated children, one reported in February and another in April, have died, marking the first measles-related deaths in the U.S. in a decade. Health officials note that most cases are occurring among unvaccinated individuals.

In New Mexico, measles cases have spread across seven counties, with an unvaccinated resident of Lea County recently reported dead, although officials are still investigating the cause.

In Oklahoma, isolated cases have emerged but without specific county details. Meanwhile, Kansas has reported infections across 11 counties, primarily affecting unvaccinated children, and genetic testing links these cases back to the Texas outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges the severity of this outbreak, which may surpass previous years, including 2019, when 1,274 people were infected nationwide.

Measles remains one of the most highly contagious viruses. Experts stress that vaccination is vital to stopping its spread. They recommend two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is 97% effective.

Vaccination rates in affected areas vary greatly. In Gaines County, only 46% of kindergarten students received the MMR vaccine in the 2023 school year, significantly below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. This low vaccination rate is attributed, in part, to the local Mennonite community’s hesitance toward vaccinations.

The CDC’s push for vaccinations seeks to protect community health, as measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and can result in death. Awareness and preventive measures are crucial to controlling this outbreak as it evolves.