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The ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas has now reached 146 confirmed cases, according to the latest update from the Texas Department of Health Services. This marks a significant rise of 22 cases since Tuesday, when 124 cases were reported. The outbreak continues to affect multiple counties, with Gaines County remaining the epicenter. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation, and concerns are growing about the spread of the highly contagious virus.

Hospitalizations and Impact on Vulnerable Groups

Among the confirmed cases, 20 patients have required hospitalization. Most of the cases are occurring in children aged 5 to 17, highlighting a particular risk to this age group. However, around 10% of the cases involve infants, a group that is particularly vulnerable to severe complications from measles. Infants under 1 year old are typically not vaccinated against measles, as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children aged 12 to 15 months. In some outbreaks, however, health officials may administer an early dose of the vaccine to infants under 12 months to offer some protection.

Dr. Jennifer Shuford, commissioner for the Texas Department of State Health Services, warned that the actual number of measles cases could be higher than reported. She noted that some cases are still awaiting laboratory confirmation, while others may not have been officially counted yet. As the outbreak progresses, officials continue to assess the situation and provide updates to the public.

Geographic Spread and Vaccination Status

The outbreak originated in Gaines County, which currently has the highest number of cases at 98. From there, the virus has spread to eight other counties, including Terry County, which has confirmed 21 cases. Many of those affected have either not been vaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. Five of the confirmed cases involve individuals who reported being vaccinated, highlighting that even vaccinated individuals are not immune in the face of an outbreak.

The outbreak has been further compounded by the recent death of a school-aged child in Lubbock, marking the first measles death in the United States in a decade. Tragically, the child was not vaccinated and had been hospitalized after contracting the virus. This death has served as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by measles, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage.

Public Health Response and Concerns

As the outbreak continues to spread, health officials are intensifying efforts to control the situation. They expect the number of measles cases to rise further, given the virus’s high level of contagion. Katherine Wells, director of Lubbock Public Health, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing further spread. She stressed that vaccination is the most effective tool in combating the outbreak and urged residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities.

The Texas Department of Health Services has issued alerts to residents about potential exposure in Central and South Central Texas, including areas like San Marcos and San Antonio. These alerts are meant to raise awareness and encourage people to check their vaccination status. Health officials are also warning that large public events, such as the upcoming Houston rodeo, could contribute to the spread of the virus. Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, highlighted the rodeo as a potential risk, as it will bring many West Texas families into close contact, increasing the chances of transmission.

In Dallas, local health officials are also preparing for possible transmission by analyzing school vaccination data and reaching out to districts with high exemption rates. Dr. Philip Huang, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department, stated that they are working to identify vulnerable communities and promoting vaccination as a way to reduce the risk of further outbreaks.

National Impact of the Measles Outbreak

The West Texas outbreak has contributed significantly to the broader measles situation in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 164 confirmed measles cases in the country since the beginning of 2025. Most of these cases are linked to the outbreak in Texas, though there have been reports of measles cases in other states, often related to travel.

Nationally, one in five measles cases has required hospitalization, underscoring the serious nature of the disease. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death, particularly in unvaccinated individuals. The CDC continues to urge people to ensure they are vaccinated and up-to-date on their immunizations to protect themselves and others.

The spread of measles in the United States has raised concerns about the nation’s overall vaccination rates, particularly in areas where vaccine hesitancy is high. Experts warn that if vaccination rates do not improve, the risk of future outbreaks will continue to grow. Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, thanks to widespread vaccination efforts. However, outbreaks like the one in Texas serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and widespread immunization.

The Importance of Vaccination in Controlling the Outbreak

The key to controlling the current measles outbreak in Texas—and preventing future outbreaks across the United States—is vaccination. Vaccines have proven to be the most effective way to protect against measles, as well as many other preventable diseases. Health officials continue to stress the importance of getting the MMR vaccine, particularly for children, and urge adults to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations as well.

In light of the ongoing outbreak, Texas health officials are focused on preventing the virus from spreading further, particularly in areas with lower vaccination rates. Increased vaccination efforts, public awareness campaigns, and targeted outreach to vulnerable communities are crucial to stopping the spread of the virus.

For more updates on the measles outbreak in West Texas and vaccination information, visit Financial Mirror.