A measles outbreak in Gaines County, West Texas, has raised concerns among health officials as fifteen cases have been confirmed, primarily among school-aged children. The outbreak has been linked to the county’s high rate of vaccine exemptions, one of the highest in Texas, and has prompted a rapid response from local authorities.
The South Plains Public Health District first identified two cases in late January. Director Zach Holbrooks confirmed that the initial cases involved two children who had sought medical attention in Lubbock. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has grown, with potential connections to private religious schools. However, Holbrooks emphasized that the investigation is still underway, and not all cases may be directly linked.
In response to the outbreak, local health officials have established a drive-thru vaccination clinic to provide measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines to residents. Additionally, screening services have been made available to detect and prevent further spread of the virus.
Texas law allows parents to exempt their children from school vaccinations for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. Over the past decade, vaccine exemptions have been on the rise. In 2014, only 0.76% of school-aged children in Texas had exemptions, but by 2023, that number had risen to 2.32%. However, Gaines County far exceeds the state average, with nearly 14% of children from kindergarten to 12th grade opting out of at least one required vaccine.
The actual number of unvaccinated children in the county is likely even higher, as many homeschooled children are not included in state-reported vaccination data, according to Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) spokeswoman Lara Anton.
Measles outbreaks have been increasing in the U.S., with a notable surge in 2024. Earlier this year, an outbreak in Chicago resulted in more than 60 infections. In February, metro Atlanta health officials worked to contain a measles case that spread to two unvaccinated family members.
The MMR vaccine, which is given in two doses one at 12 to 15 months and the second between ages 4 and 6 is required to attend most public schools in the U.S. However, vaccination rates have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, most states fall below the 95% vaccination threshold needed to prevent outbreaks, making communities more vulnerable.
One of the early cases in Gaines County involved an individual who traveled to neighboring New Mexico while still infectious. While there have been no confirmed cases in New Mexico yet, health officials are closely monitoring the situation.
Earlier this year, two measles cases were reported in Houston, but Holbrooks stated that the West Texas cases do not appear to be connected.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus can survive in the air for up to two hours, and nine out of ten unvaccinated people exposed to it will become infected. Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, the U.S. saw 3 to 4 million cases annually. Today, cases are typically under 200 per year, but recent outbreaks highlight the risks posed by declining vaccination rates.
The measles outbreak in Gaines County serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination. With a rising number of exemptions and decreasing overall vaccine coverage, communities face a heightened risk of preventable diseases. Health officials continue to urge parents to vaccinate their children to prevent further outbreaks and protect public health.
