Recent reports indicate a significant rise in measles cases in rural West Texas, with the count reaching 90 infections across seven counties, according to the state health department. Among these, 16 individuals have been hospitalized due to the virus.

In adjacent eastern New Mexico, the number of measles cases has climbed to nine. However, state public health officials have stated that there is currently no evidence linking this outbreak to the one in Texas.

Measles is recognized as a highly contagious disease. Here's what you need to know about its spread and prevention in Texas and New Mexico.

Geographic Spread of Measles

In Texas, the majority of cases are concentrated in Gaines County, which has reported 57 infections. Nearby Terry County has documented 20 cases, while Dawson County has reported six new cases. Other affected areas include Yoakum County with four cases and Lubbock, Lynn, and Ector counties each reporting one case.

Data from the Texas state health department reveals that most cases are among individuals under the age of 18, with 26 cases in children younger than four and 51 in those aged 5 to 17. Ten adults have also contracted the virus, and three cases are pending age determination. Notably, a case in Ector County involved a child who was too young to receive the vaccine.

This outbreak is being described as Texas's most significant measles incident in nearly three decades. Health officials have indicated that the cases have been primarily reported within a "close-knit, undervaccinated" Mennonite community, particularly among families with children attending small private religious schools or being homeschooled.

In New Mexico, all reported cases are located in Lea County, which borders Gaines County in Texas. Public health authorities have noted potential exposure sites including a grocery store, an elementary school, a church, Nor-Lea Hospital, and a Walgreens in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Understanding Measles

Measles is a respiratory virus capable of surviving in the air for up to two hours. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 90% of susceptible individuals will contract the virus upon exposure. While most children recover from measles, the infection can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death.

Safety of the Vaccine

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is both safe and highly effective in preventing measles infections and severe disease outcomes. The CDC recommends the first vaccination for children between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose administered between the ages of 4 and 6. The vaccine series is a prerequisite for children before they enter public kindergarten.

Prior to the vaccine's introduction in 1963, the United States experienced between 3 million and 4 million measles cases annually. In contrast, the average annual case count is now below 200 in normal years. Furthermore, extensive research has dispelled any links between the MMR vaccine and autism, which stemmed from a now-discredited study.

The Importance of Vaccination Rates

Maintaining high vaccination rates--ideally above 95%--is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases like measles, a concept known as "herd immunity." However, childhood vaccination rates have seen a decline across the nation since the onset of the pandemic, with an increasing number of parents opting for religious or personal waivers that exempt their children from mandatory vaccinations.

In 2024, the U.S. experienced a notable uptick in measles cases, including an outbreak in Chicago that affected over 60 individuals. The situation in 2019 marked one of the most severe years for measles in nearly three decades.

In Gaines County, the rate of school-aged children opting out of at least one required vaccine is among the highest in Texas, with nearly 14% of K-12 students in the 2023-24 school year. Health officials suggest that this figure could be even higher, as it does not account for homeschooled children whose vaccination data may not be reported.

Public Health Response

In response to the outbreak, health officials in Texas are conducting regular vaccination clinics and outreach efforts aimed at educating the community about the importance of vaccinations. New Mexico health authorities are also organizing several vaccination clinics in Hobbs in the upcoming week.