The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is continuing to report a measles outbreak, primarily affecting the South Plains Region. Additionally, areas in the Permian Basin, Panhandle, Central Texas, and Northeast Texas are also experiencing outbreaks linked to the epicenter in Gaines County.
At this time, 541 cases have been confirmed since late January. This has increased by 36 since the April 8 update. Five percent, or fewer than 30 confirmed cases, are estimated to be actively infectious since their rash onset date was over a week ago. Individuals are contagious four days before and four days after rash onset. Fifty-six of the patients have been hospitalized. This number is the total number of people hospitalized throughout the outbreak. It is not the current number of people in the hospital, however some are in serious condition.
DSHS has also reported a second measles-related death in the ongoing outbreak centered in the South Plains region of the state. The school-aged child, who had tested positive for measles, was hospitalized in Lubbock and passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025, due to what the doctors described as measles pulmonary failure. The child was not vaccinated and had no known underlying health conditions. DSHS is collaborating with local health departments to investigate the outbreak.
Terry County currently has 47 confirmed measles cases, an increase of one since Tuesday, April 8, 2025. This represents 8.7% of all reported cases. Gaines County, the outbreak’s epicenter, is now reporting a total of 355 confirmed cases, which is a rise of 27 since Tuesday. This accounts for 65.6% of all cases.
Additionally, Cochran County has reported one new case, bringing its total to 11. Lubbock County’s case count has risen by two, totaling 38 cases. Dawson County is reporting one new case since Friday April 4, 2025 bringing the count to 21. Yoakum County also has a one case increase now with 18. New cases have also been reported in El Paso County, with three.
The following counties have not reported any increases in cases since April 8, 2025: Ector County with eight, Hale County with five, Hockley County with three, Lamar County (Paris, TX) with 11, and Lynn County with two. Andrews, Borden, Brown, Erath (Stephenville), Lamb, Midland, and Randall counties each have one confirmed case, but their numbers have not changed. Garza County has two confirmed cases, and Martin County has three, with neither reporting an increase. Dallam County has seven confirmed cases, and its number has also remained the same. In total, 22 counties are affected by the outbreak originating in Gaines County.
In New Mexico, the Department of Health (NMDOH) has confirmed that the measles outbreak in Lea County, which began on February 9, has resulted in one death and currently has 55 confirmed cases, up from 53 on April 8, 2025. The rise in case numbers follows test results from the NMDOH Scientific Laboratory Division and cases identified during investigations of known patients. These additional cases were not reported immediately but were discovered retrospectively, with many patients detected after having recovered. Eddy County (Carlsbad, NM) continues to report two cases, and Chaves County (Roswell, NM) is reporting one case.
Lea County borders Andrews, Gaines, and Yoakum Counties to the east, and Eddy and Chaves Counties to the west.
Texas Outbreak Case Count by County
Texas Age Ranges of Outbreak Measles Cases
New Mexico Case Count by County
New Mexico Age Ranges of Outbreak Measles Cases
Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and surrounding communities. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe complications for anyone who is not protected against the virus. During a measles outbreak, approximately one in five children who contract the illness will require hospitalization, and one in 20 may develop pneumonia. In rare cases, measles can result in brain swelling and death. It can also lead to pregnancy complications, such as premature birth and low birth weight in infants.
