State report West Texas in measles outbreak case 124

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State health professionals confirmed 124 cases of measles in Texas. This is the biggest measles outbreak in Texas for the first time in 30 years.

As of February 25th, there is an overview of how it started and the situation.

The new year begins with health

The outbreak occurred in Gaines County, a small West Texas county, in January. a Health Alerts It was published on January 23rd by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Two school-age children tested positive and were hospitalized and discharged by the time the alert was released.

but First confirmed case According to HHS, measles in 2025 was detected in Harris County. These two lived in the same household and recently traveled internationally. They were neither vaccinated.

These cases were not related to outbreaks, but were the first cases in Texas since 2023.

By the end of January and the first week of February, 10 cases were confirmed in Gaines County; Outbreak alerts It has been published. All were cases of people who were not vaccinated, including many school-age children.

Cases are spreading throughout the county, and health officials are wary.

More cases have been confirmed in and around Gaines County over the coming weeks.

By Valentine's Day, 50 cases were confirmed and 90 cases were seen the following week.

HHS releases updated number of cases every time Tuesday and Friday.

More reveal

an Alerts The central Texas exposure was issued after an individual visiting San Marcos tested positive for New Braunfels and San Antonio.

Positive visitors visited major tourist destinations and highly populated areas, including the University of Texas at San Antonio, New Braunfels, Texas State University and the Riverwalk at San Antonio.

On Tuesday, February 25th, HHS issued this statement. “The Texas Department of Health reports an outbreak of measles in the South Plains area, Texas. At this time, 124 cases have been identified since late January. Patients are hospitalized. Outbreak Areas and Nearby communities.

Anita Kurian, deputy director of San Antonio's Metropolitan Health District, said the first thing people should do is check the status of their vaccinations.

“If you think you've been potentially exposed regardless of your vaccination status, go ahead and start self-monitoring for symptoms,” Kurian said. “You need to monitor this for at least 21 days from the last exposure date. …It's very important. To put doctors and other patients, without prior notice to your doctor's office or other medical facilities Don't show up, you're in danger.”

Who should get vaccinated?

Those who are unsure of their vaccination status can contact the Texas Department of Health or call MetroHealth and request records.

Measles can be prevented with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines. The American Academy of Pediatrics explained that out of the 100 people vaccinated with one coat, about 95 are protected, and 97-99 of 100 people are protected with two doses.

The first dose is administered between 12 and 15 months, and the second dose will be later when the child reaches the grade.

Elderly people born after 1957 and received vaccinations before 1968 should consider revaccination. During this period, inactive or murdered viruses were administered and proved ineffective.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least one dose for adults who may have received the inactive virus.

Risk for pregnant women?

Pregnant women are unable to receive the vaccine because they are a living virus and can cause birth outcomes, Kurian explained.

The CDC advised women who plan to get pregnant to see if they were vaccinated in advance or if they had previously taken the vaccine.

Infection with the virus during pregnancy can lead to severe birth defects. CDC explained.

Risk for people with disabilities and immunocompromised people?

Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease expert at UT Health San Antonio, recommended that exposed caretakers be concerned if they are the only person caring for someone with immunocompromised.

“They should avoid drinking shared tools, glasses,” he explained, “they should use hand hygiene frequently. They also need to clean environmental surfaces frequently. There is. The period of more contagious risk has passed.”

Bowling added that immunocompromised people are one of the most at risk of catching measles and other severe illnesses.

Past occurrences

Bowling added that although the disease was thought to have been eradicated in 2001, several outbreaks have been occurring since then.

“[Outbreaks] It tends to occur in areas where there is a high density of people who have not been vaccinated. In areas where there are more vaccinated people, we tend not to see an ongoing outbreak,” he said.

What are the signs and symptoms?

For those worried about a child's chances of developing measles, they can look for these symptoms:

• cough
• snot
• Small white spots that can appear in the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms are set.
• Red watery eyes
• Fever of 103 degrees or higher

The rash first forms on the face and head, then moves to other areas of the body. The rash can last for about 5-6 days and appears after the fever has started.

Symptoms are usually set at 8-12 days after exposure. Infected individuals are transmitted up to four days before the rash appears and four days after the rash appears, the American Academy of Pediatrics explained.

The virus can lead to more serious complications such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and hearing loss, which can be fatal.

Metro health officials said they would provide a location for pop-up vaccinations if necessary. This is a service that has been provided before the incident. They also started educational outreach.

Jackie Veres contributed to this report.

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