On Feb. 14, 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported an outbreak of measles in the South Plains region of Texas. To date, 48 cases have been identified with symptom onset within the last three weeks.

Thirteen of the patients were hospitalized. All of the cases were unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown. Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities. DSHS is working with South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health to investigate the outbreak.

Measles is highly contagious. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. The best protection against measles is measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.

Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.