Measles Outbreak Worsens in West Texas County with Low Vaccination Rates

Gaines County reports 14 confirmed cases and six probable cases as public health officials race to contain the highly contagious disease.

The measles outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, has grown to 14 confirmed cases and six probable cases, primarily affecting unvaccinated children.
Vaccination rates in Gaines County are among the lowest in Texas, with nearly 1 in 5 kindergarteners exempted from the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in the 2023-24 school year.
Health officials have linked the outbreak to private religious schools with particularly low vaccination rates and are conducting contact tracing to curb further spread.
Measles, one of the most contagious diseases, can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, especially in unvaccinated populations.
Public health efforts include mobile vaccination clinics and outreach to encourage immunizations, as officials warn of more potential cases in the region.