Measles Outbreak – April 1, 2025

The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains and Panhandle regions of Texas. At this time, 422 cases have been identified since late January. Forty-two of the patients have been hospitalized.

There has been one fatality in a school-aged child who lived in the outbreak area. The child was 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. DSHS is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak.

We will post updates on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Measles Prevention

The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles.

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. Use the maps located on the measles outbreak page to locate a TVFC or ASN provider. Pharmacies can vaccinate people 14 and older without a prescription. Children under 14 need a prescription to get the MMR vaccine at a pharmacy.

Additional information for the public and health care providers is available at the links below:

Measles Outbreak page

Measles FAQ page

DSHS News Release – Jan. 30 Announcing Cases in Gaines County

DSHS News Release – Feb. 25 Outbreak Update

DSHS News Release – Feb. 26 Announcing First Fatality in Outbreak

DSHS Health Alert – Feb. 5 Gaines County Outbreak

DSHS Health Alert – Feb. 24 Measles Exposures in South & Central Texas

DSHS Health Alert – March 6 Measles Outbreak Case Definition