In late January 2025, health officials in Gaines County, West Texas, reported an outbreak of measles, with 15 confirmed cases primarily among unvaccinated school-aged children. The initial cases were identified in late January, with some linked to private religious schools in the area. In response, local health authorities established a drive-through vaccination clinic and offered screening services to residents.
Gaines County has one of the highest rates of vaccine exemptions in Texas. Nearly 14% of children from kindergarten through 12th grade had exemptions in the 2023-24 school year, significantly higher than the state average of 2.32%. This high exemption rate has raised concerns, especially as vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic. Most states are now below the 95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners, the level needed to protect communities against measles outbreaks.
In response to the outbreak, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued guidance to schools, advising that unimmunized children be excluded for at least 21 days after the last date of exposure to a measles case. Individuals with confirmed or suspected measles are advised to stay home from school, work, and other group settings until after the fourth day of rash onset. DSHS also recommends that people without documented immunity be isolated from those with measles during an outbreak to prevent further spread.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms typically begin a week or two after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Individuals are contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days after.
The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. DSHS advises residents of Gaines County to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations, especially given the current outbreak.
This outbreak in Gaines County highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. Health officials continue to monitor the situation and are working to prevent further spread of the disease.
(Source : dshs.texas.gov , apnews.com)
