Texas Sees Rising Measles Cases as El Paso Battles Stomach Bug and Flu

Texas Sees Rising Measles Cases as El Paso Battles Stomach Bug and Flu

First it was a stomach bug that was taking over El Paso, then the flu AND NOW THE MEASLES?! Well, maybe.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is warning residents as the number of measles cases has doubled within the past week. Just five days ago, there were 15 confirmed cases in Gaines County and one in Lea County, New Mexico—just a few hours from El Paso. 

Now, that number has surged to 42 cases in Gaines County, with additional cases reported in surrounding areas: three in Terry County, two in Yoakum, and one in Lynn County, bringing the Texas total to 48 cases. *Gasps in Spanish*

Measles: A Growing Concern in Texas

Measles is a highly contagious airborne infection that can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. In the West Texas outbreak, all confirmed cases are among unvaccinated individuals and approximately 60% of the cases are school-aged children.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has identified a trend of increasing vaccine exemptions, particularly in Gaines County, where Loop Independent School District has a staggering 47.95% of students exempted from vaccinations. Yikes, that explains a lot.

The CDC warns that measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Health officials strongly recommend ensuring children receive the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, with the first dose at age one and a second between ages four and six.

A Nasty Stomach Bug Hits El Paso

As if measles weren’t enough, El Paso locals are also dealing with a highly contagious stomach bug, identified as norovirus. Dr. Armando Meza, chief of infectious diseases at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, explained that norovirus is particularly difficult to kill because it is resistant to hand sanitizer. It spreads rapidly through contaminated food, surfaces, and person-to-person contact.

To avoid catching norovirus, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water is the best defense. Symptoms can appear within hours, making it easy to spread unknowingly.

The Flu Is Back—And It’s Not Playing Around

To top it off, flu season has arrived in full force. The CDC reports that Texas is among the states seeing a sharp rise in flu cases, and El Paso hospitals are feeling the strain. Dr. Ocaranza shared that hospitals are filling up with flu patients, particularly young children and seniors. Influenza A is currently the dominant strain, and flu-related doctor visits have reached their highest levels in 15 years.

The best defense? The flu shot. Other flu-prevention strategies include washing hands, avoiding sick individuals, and covering coughs and sneezes. Since flu patients are most contagious before symptoms even appear, staying home when feeling unwell can help prevent further spread.

Stay Vigilant, El Paso

With measles, norovirus, and the flu all making rounds, El Paso residents need to be extra cautious. Health officials stress the importance of vaccinations, proper hygiene, and staying home when sick to minimize the spread of these viruses. As these outbreaks continue to develop, staying informed and taking preventative measures will be key to keeping the community healthy.