On Apr. 25, 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported that 646 cases of measles have been confirmed in the outbreak since late January, compared with 597 cases reported April 18, forty-nine more than the previous week. Sixty-four people have been hospitalized over the course of the outbreak.

To date, there have been two fatalities in school-aged children who lived in the outbreak area. The children were not vaccinated and had no known underlying conditions. Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities.

Based on the most recent data, DSHS has identified designated outbreak counties with ongoing measles transmission: Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry and Yoakum.

Measles can be transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. People who are infected will begin to have symptoms within a week or two after being exposed. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, the telltale rash breaks out as flat, red spots on the face and then spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body. A person is contagious about four days before the rash appears to four days after. People who could have measles should stay home during that period.

During a measles outbreak, about one in five children who get sick will need hospital care and one in 20 will develop pneumonia. It can also cause pregnancy complications, such as premature birth and babies with low birth weight. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the death rate for measles is estimated to be about 1 in 1,000 cases. 

To get vaccinated, people can go to their health care provider or a pharmacy. Vaccines are also available through the Texas Vaccines for Children and Adult Safety Net Providers.

Note: Outbreaks of the measles were also reported in New Mexico and Oklahoma. One of the cases was traced to Texas.