Texas’ Measles Outbreak Hits 124 Cases, One Child Has Died

El Paso, Texas has been hit with a stomach bug, the flu, and although the measles has not been reported in our area, local officials are still urging people to stay alert and get vaccinated to prevent the measles from entering our city!

The reason health officials are urging locals to get vaccinated is because the state of Texas is currently in the middle of its worst measles outbreak in decades.

According to a press release sent out by the Texas Medical Association, As of February 25, a total of 124 cases have been confirmed across the state, with the majority affecting unvaccinated individuals. Tragically, a young, unvaccinated child from Lubbock has died—the first fatality of this outbreak.

Measles is highly contagious, and the virus spreads through coughs, sneezes, or even just being in the same room as someone infected. Measles can also lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, hearing loss, and even death.

So, what can you do? 

It’s as simple as being up-to-date on your vaccines! Health experts urge unvaccinated individuals to get the MMR vaccine ASAP, even if they’ve already been exposed. While it won’t be 100% effective post-exposure, it can still offer some protection within 72 hours.

Right now, Texas’ low vaccination rates are fueling the spread. In Gaines County, where the outbreak started, only 82% of kindergartners are vaccinated—far below the 95% needed for herd immunity.

EverythingLubbock.com provided a list of the cases in each Texas county: 

• Dallam – 4
• Dawson – 7
• Ector – 2
• Gaines – 80
• Lubbock – 1
• Lynn – 1
• Martin 3
• Terry – 21
• Yoakum – 5

With flu season also wreaking havoc (33 million cases nationwide!), staying up to date on all vaccines is more important than ever.