Measles outbreaks rise to nearly 100 cases between Texas and New Mexico.
Here's what you should know
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 [February 22, 2025]
By DEVI SHASTRI
The measles outbreak in rural West Texas has grown to 90 cases across
seven counties, the state health department posted online Friday, and 16
people are hospitalized.
In neighboring eastern New Mexico, the measles case count is up to nine,
though state public health officials said Thursday there's still no
evidence this outbreak is connected to the one in Texas.
Measles is a highly contagious disease. Here's what you should know
about how to protect yourself against measles, as well as what's
happening in Texas and New Mexico.
Where are measles spreading?
The West Texas cases are concentrated in Gaines County, which has 57
infections, and Terry County, north of Gaines, where there are now 20
confirmed cases.
Dawson County, to the east of Gaines, was new to the count with six.
Yoakum County has four and Lubbock, Lynn and Ector counties have a case
each.
Texas state health department data shows the vast majority of cases are
among people younger than 18: 26 in kids younger than 4 and 51 in kids
5-17 years old. Ten adults have measles and three cases are “pending” an
age determination. The Ector County Health Department told the Odessa
American its case was in a child too young to be vaccinated.
State health officials have said this outbreak is Texas' largest in
nearly 30 years. Health department spokeswoman Lara Anton said last week
that cases have been concentrated in a “close-knit, undervaccinated”
Mennonite community — especially among families who attend small private
religious schools or are homeschooled.
In New Mexico, all of the cases are in Lea County, which borders Gaines
County in Texas. The state health department has said people may have
been exposed at a grocery store, an elementary school, a church, Nor-Lea
Hospital and a Walgreens in Hobbs, New Mexico.
What is measles?
Measles is a respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two
hours. Up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus
if exposed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
Most kids will recover from the measles if they get it, but infection
can lead to dangerous complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain
swelling and death.
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A health worker administers a measles test to a car passenger at a
mobile testing site outside Seminole Hospital District Friday, Feb.
21, 2025, in Seminole, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
 Is the vaccine safe?
Yes, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly
effective in preventing measles infection and severe cases of the
disease.
The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months
old and the second between 4 and 6 years old. The vaccine series is
required for kids before entering kindergarten in public schools
nationwide.
Before the vaccine was introduced in 1963, the U.S. saw some 3
million to 4 million cases per year. Now, it’s usually fewer than
200 in a normal year.
There is no link between the vaccine and autism, despite a
now-discredited study and health disinformation.
Why do vaccination rates matter?
In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases
like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This
is called “herd immunity.”
But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the
pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal
conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.
The U.S. saw a rise in measles cases in 2024, including an outbreak
in Chicago that sickened more than 60. Five years earlier, measles
cases were the worst in almost three decades in 2019.
Gaines County has one of the highest rates in Texas of school-aged
children who opt out of at least one required vaccine, with nearly
14% of K-12 children in the 2023-24 school year. Health officials
say that number is likely higher because it doesn’t include many
children who are homeschooled and whose data would not be reported.
What are public health officials doing to stop the spread?
Health workers are hosting regular vaccination clinic and screening
efforts in Texas, as well as working with schools to educate people
about the importance of vaccination and offering shots.
New Mexico health officials are also hosting several vaccination
clinics in Hobbs next week.
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