The number of measles cases in the ongoing West Texas outbreak has risen to 146, according to a new update from the Texas Department of Health Services. The outbreak has increased by 22 cases since Tuesday, when the official count was 124.
Hospitals have admitted 20 patients. Most of the cases are in children aged 5 to 17. Around 10% of the infections involve infants. Babies are more likely to face serious complications from measles. Dr. Jennifer Shuford, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, explained on Friday that babies under 12 months usually don’t have protection. The first dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is given to children between 12 and 15 months. During an outbreak, some babies may get the vaccine early.
Shuford also mentioned that the actual number of measles cases might be higher. Some cases have not been reported, and some are still waiting for lab results.
The Virus Spreads Beyond Gaines County
Most of the measles cases—98 of them—are in Gaines County, where the outbreak started. But the virus has spread to eight other counties. Terry County, for example, has reported 21 cases. The virus is now a larger threat.
Many of the infected people were unvaccinated or not sure about their vaccination status. However, there are also five cases in vaccinated individuals. The outbreak has already led to a tragic death. Earlier this week, Texas reported the first death tied to the outbreak. It was a school-aged child who had not been vaccinated. The child had been hospitalized in Lubbock. This marks the first measles death in the U.S. in 10 years.
Health Officials Warn of More Infections
Measles is highly contagious. Health experts believe the virus will keep spreading unless more people get vaccinated. Katherine Wells, the director of Lubbock Public Health, warned that the number of infections would keep rising until vaccination rates increase.
The Texas Department of Health Services issued an alert on Monday. The alert warned of possible measles exposure in Central and South Central Texas. The warning was based on a case of measles in someone who had visited San Marcos and San Antonio last weekend.
Concerns About Large Public Events
Health experts are concerned about events like the Houston Rodeo, which is happening now. Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine expert, warned that the rodeo could spread measles further. The event draws many families from West Texas, where the outbreak remains a serious issue.
The rodeo is a big event in Texas. It attracts many people from across the state. Dr. Hotez is concerned that the event could lead to more cases. The crowds and close contact could make it easier for the virus to spread.
In response to these concerns, other regions in Texas are taking action. In Dallas, officials are looking at vaccination records for schools. They are also sending notices to superintendents in districts with high exemption rates. Dr. Philip Huang, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department, stressed that they need to find areas with low vaccination rates and work to improve them.
Measles Cases in Other States
Measles cases are not just a Texas problem. In 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 164 measles cases across nine states. Many of these cases are connected to the Texas outbreak. Nationally, one in five measles cases has resulted in hospitalization.
Public health experts are worried that measles is becoming a growing problem again. For years, the U.S. had nearly eliminated the disease, but now it is making a comeback. One reason for this rise is vaccine hesitancy, which is spreading in some communities.
Dr. Shuford and other experts continue to stress the importance of getting the MMR vaccine. They argue that vaccination is the best way to prevent measles from spreading. Vaccination helps protect everyone, including infants and other vulnerable individuals.
What You Can Do
Health officials recommend that everyone, especially children, get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Vaccination can protect you from the serious risks of measles.
If you live in Texas or another area with an outbreak, it’s essential to get vaccinated. Measles can spread quickly, but vaccination can help stop it. Parents should also check their children’s vaccination status to ensure they are fully protected.
The West Texas measles outbreak shows how important vaccines are. The virus has already caused harm, including the tragic death of a child. Health officials are working hard to control the spread of measles, but they need the help of the public to stop it from getting worse.
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