As of February 27, 2025, Texas is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with 124 cases confirmed since late January, mostly in the South Plains region. One death has been reported, involving an unvaccinated school-aged child in Lubbock, marking the first U.S. measles death in a decade Child in West Texas is first US measles death in a decade | CNN. This outbreak is notable for its scale, being the largest in Texas in nearly 30 years.
Key Points
- It seems likely that there are 124 confirmed measles cases in Texas as of February 25, 2025, with one death reported, primarily affecting the South Plains region.
- Research suggests low vaccination rates, especially in Gains County, are a key factor, with nearly 1 in 5 kindergartners unvaccinated in 2023-24.
- The outbreak likely started in late January 2025, with the initial source under investigation, possibly linked to international travel in some cases.
- Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and rash, with higher risks for unvaccinated children, potentially leading to hospitalization or death.
- Vaccination with MMR and good hygiene are crucial preventive measures, supported by health officials promoting clinics in affected areas.
Causes of the Outbreak
Low vaccination rates appear to be a major contributor, particularly in Gains County, where nearly 18% of kindergartners were exempt from the MMR vaccine in the 2023-24 school year, falling short of the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity Measles outbreak expands in West Texas around county with low vaccination rate | CNN. The initial source of the outbreak in the South Plains is under investigation, but earlier cases in Harris County were linked to international travel, though not directly connected to the current outbreak Confirmed Case of Measles – January 2025 | Texas DSHS.
Affected Areas and Communities
The outbreak is centered in the South Plains region, with Gains County reporting the highest number of cases (57 as of February 23, 2025), followed by Terry (20), Dawson (6), Yoakum (4), and single cases in Lubbock, Lynn, and Ector counties What to know about the measles outbreak in West Texas as cases rise to 90 | PBS News. The Mennonite community, known for lower vaccination rates due to religious beliefs, is significantly affected, contributing to the outbreak’s spread West Texas measles cases rise to 124. Here is what you need to know. | The Texas Tribune.
Detailed Analysis of Measles Outbreak in Texas
This detailed analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the measles outbreak in Texas as of February 27, 2025, covering all aspects requested, including current statistics, causes, affected areas, symptoms, risks, preventive measures, government response, and steps for exposure. The information is derived from official health reports and reputable news sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Current Situation: Latest Statistics on Measles Cases
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported 124 confirmed cases of measles in the state since late January 2025, with the most recent update on February 25, 2025 Measles Outbreak – Feb. 25, 2025 | Texas DSHS. Of these, 18 patients have been hospitalized, indicating the severity of some cases. A significant and unexpected detail is the reported death of an unvaccinated school-aged child in Lubbock, confirmed on February 26, 2025, marking the first U.S. measles death since 2015 Child in West Texas is first US measles death in a decade | CNN. This outbreak is noted as Texas’ largest in nearly 30 years, highlighting its public health significance.
Causes of the Outbreak: Vaccination Rates, Sources, and Spread
The outbreak’s primary cause appears to be low vaccination rates, particularly in the affected regions. In Gains County, the epicenter, nearly 18% of incoming kindergartners in the 2023-24 school year did not receive the MMR vaccine, well below the 95% threshold recommended for herd immunity Measles outbreak expands in West Texas around county with low vaccination rate | CNN. Neighboring Terry County saw exemption rates rise to 3.73% in the same period, also contributing to vulnerability US measles outbreak leaves nearly 100 ill in Texas and New Mexico | BBC. The initial source of the South Plains outbreak, starting in late January 2025, is under investigation, with no direct link to earlier Harris County cases associated with international travel Confirmed Case of Measles – January 2025 | Texas DSHS. Measles spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne transmission, remaining infectious in the air for up to two hours Measles Exposures in Central & South-Central Texas | Texas DSHS.
Affected Areas & Communities: Regions and Demographics
The outbreak is concentrated in the South Plains region of west Texas, with a detailed breakdown of cases by county as follows, based on the latest available data from February 23, 2025:
| County | Cases Reported |
|---|---|
| Gains County | 57 |
| Terry County | 20 |
| Dawson County | 6 |
| Yoakum County | 4 |
| Lubbock County | 1 |
| Lynn County | 1 |
| Ector County | 1 |
What to know about the measles outbreak in West Texas as cases rise to 90 | PBS News. The total of 90 cases from this date suggests the outbreak has since grown to 124, with the distribution likely similar but not fully updated by county. The Mennonite community, particularly those attending small private religious schools or homeschooled, is significantly affected due to lower vaccination rates, creating pockets of vulnerability West Texas measles cases rise to 124. Here is what you need to know. | The Texas Tribune.
Symptoms & Risks: Impact Across Age Groups
Measles symptoms typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, starting with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body Measles Cases and Outbreaks | CDC. The risks are higher for unvaccinated individuals, especially children, with about 1 in 5 requiring hospitalization, 1 in 20 developing pneumonia, and rare but serious complications like encephalitis, which can lead to brain damage or death Measles outbreak in Texas rises to at least 58 cases — the state’s worst in over 30 years | CBS News. The recent death underscores the severity, particularly for unvaccinated school-aged children.
Preventative Measures: Vaccination and Public Health
Preventive measures focus on vaccination, with two doses of the MMR vaccine being 97% effective in preventing measles US measles outbreak leaves nearly 100 ill in Texas and New Mexico | BBC. Hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick, are also crucial to reduce spread Measles Outbreak – Feb. 25, 2025 | Texas DSHS. Health officials are promoting vaccination clinics, especially in the South Plains region, to increase immunity.
Government & Health Response: Official Actions
The Texas DSHS is leading the response, collaborating with local health departments like the South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health to investigate cases and trace contacts Measles Outbreak– Feb. 21, 2025 | Texas DSHS. They are providing regular updates on Tuesdays and Fridays, emphasizing vaccination, and have set up clinics to offer free MMR vaccines Texas announces first death in measles outbreak | Texas DSHS.
What to Do If Exposed: Step-by-Step Guide
If you suspect exposure to measles, follow these steps:
- Isolate yourself from others to prevent potential spread.
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately, informing them of possible exposure before arriving for testing.
- Get tested for measles, preferably with PCR testing at the DSHS Laboratory for genotyping.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for quarantine, which may last up to 21 days after the last exposure, and seek treatment if symptoms develop Measles Exposures in Central & South-Central Texas | Texas DSHS.
This detailed analysis ensures all aspects of the outbreak are covered, providing a thorough resource for understanding and addressing the situation in Texas as of February 27, 2025.
Key Citations
- Child in West Texas is first US measles death in a decade | CNN
- Measles outbreak expands in West Texas around county with low vaccination rate | CNN
- Confirmed Case of Measles – January 2025 | Texas DSHS
- What to know about the measles outbreak in West Texas as cases rise to 90 | PBS News
- West Texas measles cases rise to 124. Here is what you need to know. | The Texas Tribune
- Measles Cases and Outbreaks | CDC
- Measles | Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention | CDC
- Measles Exposures in Central & South-Central Texas | Texas DSHS
- Measles | For Healthcare Professionals | CDC
- Measles Outbreak – Feb. 25, 2025 | Texas DSHS
- Measles Outbreak– Feb. 21, 2025 | Texas DSHS
- Ten more measles cases—58 total—confirmed in Texas outbreak | CIDRAP
- Measles cases are rising in US as Texas outbreak grows. Should we be concerned? | ABC News
- US measles outbreak leaves nearly 100 ill in Texas and New Mexico | BBC
- Measles outbreak in Texas rises to at least 58 cases — the state’s worst in over 30 years | CBS News
- Texas announces first death in measles outbreak | Texas DSHS