A measles outbreak in rural West Texas has now reached 124 cases across nine counties, with 18 people hospitalized.
The outbreak is mostly affecting the Mennonite community, where people frequently travel between small towns for work, church, shopping, and daily activities. This has allowed the virus to spread more easily, according to the Texas health department.
Rising Case Numbers
Brownfield, a city in Terry County, has 21 cases. Mayor Eric Horton expressed his concern, saying he has never seen an outbreak this close to home. “We’ve had outbreaks before, but nothing this serious,” he said.
In neighboring eastern New Mexico, nine cases have been reported. However, health officials say there is no evidence that the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico are connected.
Since Friday, the number of cases in West Texas has increased by 34. The hardest-hit areas are:
- Gaines County – 80 cases
- Terry County – 21 cases
- Dawson County – 7 cases
- Yoakum County – 5 cases
- Ector County – 2 cases
- Lubbock & Lynn Counties – 1 case each
- Martin County – 3 cases
- Dallam County (Panhandle region) – 4 cases
Health officials also warned that a contagious person may have exposed others in San Marcos, San Antonio, and New Braunfels in mid-February.
Who is Affected?
Most cases involve children. According to Texas health data:
- 39 cases are in children younger than 4
- 62 cases are in children aged 5-17
- 18 cases are in adults
- 5 cases are still awaiting age confirmation
Officials say this is Texas’ largest measles outbreak in nearly 30 years. Many cases are in a close-knit Mennonite community where vaccination rates are low, especially among homeschooled children and those attending small private religious schools.
Measles: A Serious Disease
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. The CDC warns that 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will get infected.
While most children recover, measles can lead to dangerous complications, including:
- Pneumonia
- Blindness
- Brain swelling
- Death
The Importance of Vaccination
The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) is highly effective in preventing measles. It is given in two doses:
- First dose at 12-15 months old
- Second dose at 4-6 years old
Public schools nationwide require this vaccine before children can enter kindergarten. However, Gaines County has one of Texas’ highest rates of vaccine exemptions, with nearly 14% of students opting out of at least one required vaccine.
To help control the outbreak, New Mexico health officials are holding vaccination clinics this week. Health experts strongly encourage families to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities.
