Measles Outbreak Escalates in Texas and Spreads to New Mexico

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is currently monitoring a significant measles outbreak that has nearly doubled in size over the past two weeks.

Initially identified in Gaines County on February 5, health officials had anticipated the rise in cases due to the disease’s highly contagious nature.

Described as the worst outbreak in decades, the virus has now crossed state lines into New Mexico, with the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) confirming an increase in cases.

Last week alone, NMDOH identified three new cases, bringing the state’s total to eight. These new cases meet the outbreak criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with all three originating in Lea County, adjacent to Gaines County.

Despite the geographical proximity of the outbreaks, health authorities have not yet confirmed a direct link between the Texas and New Mexico cases.

Dr. Chad Smelser, Deputy State Epidemiologist for NMDOH, emphasized the ongoing investigations and urged those exhibiting symptoms to seek medical attention.

In Texas, the outbreak is primarily affecting school-aged children, with a significant number of cases reported among unvaccinated individuals. Out of the eight cases in New Mexico, half are minors and half are adults, with two adults reporting that they were vaccinated in childhood.

In response to the outbreak, NMDOH has been proactive in notifying individuals who may have been exposed and is offering guidance on prevention. They have also published a list of locations and times where exposure might have occurred to alert the community.

In an effort to curb the spread of the disease, Lea County is hosting no-appointment-needed vaccination clinics over the next two weeks, offering free measles-rubella vaccines to the public.