West Texas Sets Unfortunate Measles Outbreak Record

While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued measles outbreak advisories for 59 counties, it may soon issue one for western Texas, which has reported 25 measles cases in 2025.

On February 11, 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported that the ongoing measles outbreak in Gaines County has exceeded previous records.

The local health department, South Plains Public Health District (SPPHD), has confirmed 24 measles cases with symptom onset within the last two weeks. Nine of the patients have been hospitalized.

All of the cases are unvaccinated and residents of Gaines County.

DSHS wrote, 'Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities.

DSHS is working with SPPHD and Lubbock Public Health to investigate this measles outbreak.

Additionally, in early February, Lynn County, which is located south of Lubbock and east of South Plains, confirmed one measles case.

Previously, Harris County, located in eastern Texas, reported two measles cases in 2025.

There is no suspected link between the west Texas outbreak and the Harris County cases.

Elsewhere in the U.S., Alaska, Georgia, New York City, and Rhode Island have reported measles cases in 2025.

In 2024, the CDC reported 284 measles cases in 32 jurisdictions.

DSHS and the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend that children receive one dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years of age. Each dose lowers the risk of infection and the severity of illness if they are infected.

Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they contract the measles virus.

Measles vaccines will generally be offered at community pharmacies in 2025.