A growing measles outbreak has hit a rural area in West Texas, particularly in Gaines County, where vaccination rates remain alarmingly low. Health officials are raising concerns about the rapid spread of this highly contagious disease.
Rising Cases in Gaines County and Beyond
The outbreak began in late January when two children in Gaines County were hospitalised with measles. Since then, the Texas health department has confirmed a significant increase in cases:
14 confirmed cases as of Friday
6 probable cases among individuals showing symptoms and having close contact with infected persons
Zach Holbrooks, executive director of the South Plains Public Health District, told CNN that the outbreak is no longer confined to Gaines County, with cases emerging in nearby regions.
Connection to Low Vaccination Rates
Health officials have identified a clear link between the outbreak and low measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination rates. All reported cases involve individuals who were not vaccinated, with most being children.
Declining MMR Vaccination Rates
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
The US has failed to meet the 95% MMR vaccination goal for kindergarteners for four consecutive years.
Over 125,000 new schoolchildren across the country lacked at least one state-mandated vaccine in the last school year.
Gaines County has one of the highest vaccine exemption rates in Texas—18% of incoming kindergarteners in the 2023-24 school year were not vaccinated.
At the state level, Texas had a 4% exemption rate, slightly above the national average.
Idaho recorded the highest exemption rate in the country, exceeding 14%.
The Dangers of Measles
Measles is an airborne disease that spreads rapidly and can lead to severe health complications, especially for children and unvaccinated individuals.
Common Symptoms:
Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Red rash
Severe Complications:
Hospitalisation: 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the US who get measles will be hospitalised.
Pneumonia: Affects 1 in 20 children with measles.
Encephalitis: A rare but dangerous brain swelling that can cause permanent damage.
Death: Up to 3 in 1,000 infected children may die due to respiratory and neurological complications (CDC data).
Urgent Health Warnings and Preventive Measures
The Texas health department has issued a health alert, warning that more cases are expected in Gaines County and surrounding areas due to the disease’s high transmission rate.
Recommendations for the Public:
Unvaccinated children and adults should get an MMR shot immediately.
A second dose should be taken 28 days after the first.
Infants aged 6–11 months should receive an early dose for added protection.
Children who have already had their first dose should get their second as soon as possible.
Local Efforts to Combat the Outbreak
To control the spread, the South Plains Public Health District has launched a dedicated measles clinic. The clinic will provide daily testing and vaccinations starting next week.
The Bottom Line
With measles cases rising in Texas and across the US, health officials stress the critical importance of vaccination to prevent further outbreaks. Ensuring that children receive their full MMR vaccination on time is the best defence against this highly contagious disease.
Sources: CNN, Texas Department of State Health Services, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention