Texas measles warning for Central Texas. Here’s what you need to know
By The Associated Press
February 18, 2025
The measles outbreak in West Texas may have reached Central Texas. The University of Texas at San Antonio warned students and staff that a visitor from Gaines County — the center of the Texas outbreak — toured the campus on Feb. 15 and later tested positive for measles.
“We believe the individual’s infectious window was likely after their date of visit,” the statement said. “However, out of an abundance of caution, we are notifying our community and working closely with the San Antonio Metro Health District to share information with anyone who may have been exposed to the infected individual. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated.”
The ongoing Texas measles outbreak has rapidly grown to the largest Texas has seen in decades,
Measles is a highly contagious disease. Here’s what you should know about how to protect yourself against measles, as well as what’s happening in Texas and New Mexico.
Where is measles spreading?
The West Texas cases are concentrated in Gaines County, which is about 350 miles west of Dallas, and Terry County to the north of Gaines.
Seminole, the seat of Gaines County, sits near the New Mexico border.
State health officials say this outbreak is Texas’ largest in nearly 30 years. Health department spokeswoman Lara Anton said last week that cases have been concentrated in a “close-knit, undervaccinated” Mennonite community — especially among families who attend small private religious schools or are homeschooled.
In New Mexico, all of the cases are in Lea County, which borders Gaines County in Texas. The state health department has said people may have been exposed at a grocery store, an elementary school, a church, Nor-Lea Hospital and a Walgreens in Hobbs, New Mexico.
What is measles?
Measles is a respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours. Up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus if exposed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most kids will recover from the measles if they get it, but infection can lead to dangerous complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing measles infection and severe cases of the disease.
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.
Why do vaccination rates matter?
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.
The U.S. saw a rise in measles cases in 2024, including an outbreak in…
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