Measles cases in West Texas have risen to 146, according to the latest update from the Texas Department of Health Services. This marks an increase of 22 confirmed cases since Tuesday when officials reported 124 infections.

Hospitalizations and Impact on Children

Health officials confirmed that 20 people have been hospitalized due to severe symptoms. Most of the infected individuals are children between the ages of 5 and 17. Infants, who face a higher risk of severe complications, make up about 10% of the cases. Dr. Jennifer Shuford, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, stressed that infants under one year old are especially vulnerable. They usually do not receive their first measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine until they are between 12 and 15 months old. However, during outbreaks, some infants may receive the vaccine earlier to protect them from infection.

Dr. Shuford also stated that the actual number of measles cases in Texas is likely higher than reported. Some infections remain unconfirmed, while others may not have been recorded yet.

Virus Spreads Beyond Gaines County

Gaines County, where the outbreak started, still has the highest number of cases, with 98 confirmed infections. However, the virus has now spread to eight other counties, including Terry County, which has reported 21 cases.

Health officials revealed that most infected individuals were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. However, at least five cases occurred in people who were vaccinated. While vaccination greatly reduces the risk of infection and complications, it does not provide 100% immunity.

The outbreak’s severity increased when Texas reported its first measles-related death in over ten years. The victim was a school-aged child who had not been vaccinated. The child was hospitalized in Lubbock before passing away from complications.

Rising Concerns About Further Transmission

The highly contagious nature of measles has experts worried. The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, and even lingering airborne particles. Katherine Wells, director of Lubbock Public Health, warned that cases will continue to rise unless vaccination rates improve. “We’re going to see continued increases in measles cases until we get more vaccinations into our community,” she said.

State health officials recently issued an alert about possible exposures in Central and South Central Texas. A person later diagnosed with measles had traveled through San Marcos and San Antonio last weekend, raising concerns about further transmission.

Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, expressed concern about large gatherings. He pointed to the Houston rodeo, which is currently taking place and attracts families from across the state, including West Texas. The event could lead to further spread of the virus.

Dallas and Other Regions Take Action

In Dallas, officials are preparing for potential outbreaks. Health authorities are reviewing school vaccination records and reaching out to school superintendents in districts with high rates of vaccine exemptions. Dr. Philip Huang, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department, emphasized the importance of identifying vulnerable areas and increasing vaccination rates. “We’re identifying vulnerable areas and working to increase vaccination rates across the region,” he said.

Measles cases are also appearing in other states, often linked to travel. Since the beginning of 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 164 measles cases across nine states. Many of these cases are connected to the Texas outbreak. Nationally, one in five measles cases has led to hospitalization.

Preventing the Spread of Measles

The CDC urges parents to ensure their children receive the MMR vaccine on time. The vaccine is highly effective, providing lifelong protection in most cases. The agency also recommends that adults who are unsure of their vaccination status check with their healthcare provider.

As cases continue to rise, health officials stress the importance of early detection and isolation. Measles symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and a red rash that spreads across the body. People showing symptoms should seek medical care immediately to prevent further transmission.

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