Texas Measles Outbreak Grows, Impacting Unvaccinated Children

Gaines County sees a rise in cases, with low vaccination rates contributing to the spread of the highly contagious virus.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported 14 confirmed measles cases and six probable cases in Gaines County and surrounding areas.
Most cases involve unvaccinated children, including two under the age of five, with seven individuals hospitalized so far.
Gaines County's vaccination rate for kindergartners is 82%, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, with an 18% exemption rate for non-medical reasons.
Measles is highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets and remaining infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
Health officials stress the importance of vaccination, noting that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine significantly reduces the risk of infection and severe complications.