The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is currently reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains region of Texas, which has gained national attention. To date, 58 cases have been identified, with symptoms developing in the past three weeks. Thirteen patients have been hospitalized. Among the cases, four individuals were vaccinated; the vaccination status of the remaining patients is either unknown or unvaccinated. Given the highly contagious nature of measles, additional cases are expected in Gaines County and the surrounding communities. DSHS is working in collaboration with the South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health to investigate the outbreak.
Texas Case Count by County
| County | Cases |
|---|---|
| Gaines | 45 |
| Lubbock | 1 |
| Lynn | 1 |
| Terry | 9 |
| Yoakum | 2 |
| Total | 58 |
Age Ranges of Measles Cases
| 0-4 years | 5-17 years | 18+ years | Pending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 33 | 6 | 4 |
The most effective way to prevent illness is to receive two doses of the measles vaccine. This vaccine is usually given as part of the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective in preventing measles.
Residents of the South Plains can go to the South Plains Public Health District Clinic at 704 Hobbs Highway in Seminole to get vaccinated.
