Measles on the Move: What's Happening in Texas and New Mexico?

Measles is making a comeback in the Southwestern United States. Texas is currently dealing with a significant outbreak, with 58 confirmed cases as of the latest update. The situation is particularly concerning in Gaines County, where 45 infections have been reported. This county, along with Terry, Lubbock, Lynn, and Yoakum counties, is seeing a surge in cases. The outbreak is the largest in Texas in nearly three decades, with 13 people currently hospitalized. The primary concern is a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community, where many families attend private religious schools or homeschool their children. The outbreak isn't just limited to Texas. New Mexico is also grappling with measles, with eight confirmed cases in Lea County, which borders Gaines County in Texas. The state health department has identified a family of five in isolation, but fortunately, none of the infected individuals have required hospitalization. However, six of those infected have not been vaccinated, raising concerns about the spread of the disease. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours. It's so infectious that up to 9 out of 10 susceptible people will catch it if exposed. While most kids recover from measles, it can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing measles infection and severe cases. 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. Vaccination rates matter because 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. 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. 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. Public health officials are working hard to stop the spread. In Texas, health workers are hosting regular vaccination clinics and screening efforts. They are also working with schools to educate people about the importance of vaccination and offering shots. In New Mexico, medical providers are being urged to watch for and report measles infections, while state health authorities are attempting to trace and notify people who may have been exposed. The state health department is also doing free vaccination clinics in Hobbs and Lovington this week.