Texas: 2025 Measles - 718 cases, 2 deaths

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/a...t-seven-years/

Houston Health Department reports city’s first measles cases in seven years
The health department announced Friday that the two cases, in adults who live in the same household and have unknown vaccination statuses, are linked to international travel. Contract tracing is being conducted.
Adam Zuvanich | Posted on January 17, 2025, 2:58 PM (Last Updated: January 17, 2025, 3:25 PM)

Two measles cases have been confirmed in Houston, marking the first reported cases in the city since 2018, according to the Houston Health Department.

The health department announced Friday that the two cases, in adults who live in the same household and have unknown vaccination statuses, are linked to international travel. Contract tracing is being conducted to identify possible exposures to others and to limit further spread of the highly infectious viral disease, which can cause serious complications in children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems...

...As it investigates the confirmed cases, the Houston Health Department says it will post relevant exposure locations as well as dates and times to its website.

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.houstonhealth.org/news/n...ational-travel

HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS TWO MEASLES CASES LINKED TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
January, 2025

HOUSTON - The Houston Health Department (HHD) has identified two confirmed cases of measles in adults associated with recent international travel. Both individuals reside in the same household and were not vaccinated. These are the first reported measles cases in Houston since 2018.

Health officials are actively investigating the cases and conducting contact tracing to identify possible exposures and limit further spread of the disease...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.everythinglubbock.com/ne...cials-confirm/

Unvaccinated child tests positive for measles in Lubbock, officials confirm
by: Georgina Johnston
Posted: Jan 29, 2025 / 05:49 PM CST
Updated: Jan 29, 2025 / 05:52 PM CST


LUBBOCK, Texas — Lubbock Public Health on Wednesday said a school-aged child, who was treated at a Lubbock healthcare facility recently, tested positive for measles.

There are no known exposure sites outside the healthcare facility, Lubbock Public Health said. The healthcare facility will contact people who may have been exposed within their building.

Lubbock Public Health said the child was not vaccinated for measles...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.krqe.com/health/two-meas...theast-border/

Two measles cases identified near New Mexico’s southeast border
by: Audrey Claire Davis
Posted: Feb 3, 2025 / 02:26 PM MST
Updated: Feb 3, 2025 / 02:28 PM MST

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Two measles cases have been identified in Gaines County, Texas, on New Mexico’s southeast border near Lovington and Hobbs. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, the proximity of the cases “raises concern of exposure for area residents traveling across state lines.”...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/...e/78259471007/

Lynn County confirms measles case in ER, third West Texas case in week
Mateo Rosiles Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
4 hours ago


A week after the first case of measles was reported in West Texas in recent memory, Lynn County has reported its first measles case, making it the third case in the region.

The announcement came on Wednesday after Lynn County Healthcare System took to social media stating that there was a recent case of measles that had been seen at its emergency room...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.newswest9.com/article/ne...0-8844bf9ae737

Measles outbreak reported in Gaines County
With six cases in Gaines County, the community is warned to take precaution and the county has provided tips to keeping your loved ones safe.
Author: Darrell Ponder
Published: 4:56 PM CST February 6, 2025
Updated: 4:56 PM CST February 6, 2025


GAINES COUNTY, Texas — The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported an outbreak of Measles in Gaines County Wednesday, with six cases being discovered. All six cases are of unvaccinated children.

DSHS said due to the highly contagious nature of this disease more cases are likely to happen in Gaines County and nearby counties...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.kcbd.com/2025/02/07/texa...gaines-county/

Texas health authorities report 10 cases of measles in Gaines County
By News Release
Published: Feb. 7, 2025 at 6:17 PM EST|Updated: 39 minutes ago

GAINES COUNTY, TX (NEWS RELEASE) - The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in Gaines County. At this time, 10 cases have been identified with symptom onset within the last two weeks.

Eight of the cases are among school-aged children and two cases are under the age of 5. Seven of the patients have been hospitalized. All of the cases are unvaccinated and residents of Gaines County...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/...y/78427847007/

Texas health officials confirm new measles cases in Gaines County, Terry counties
Mateo Rosiles Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
1 hour ago

The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed 24 total cases of measles in Gaines County and a new case in Terry County on Tuesday.

Brownfield ISD took to social media to confirm that DSHS has confirmed one case of measles in Terry County, stating that "it is likely to spread."...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak

February 11, 2025

The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in Gaines County. At this time, 24 cases have been identified with symptom onset within the last two weeks. Nine of the patients have been hospitalized. All of the cases are unvaccinated and residents of Gaines County. 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...

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-aler...ak-feb-14-2025

The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains region of Texas. At this time, 48 cases have been identified with symptom onset within the last three weeks. Thirteen of the patients have been hospitalized. All of the cases are unvaccinated or their vaccination status is 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.

Gaines	42
Lynn	1
Terry	3
Yoakum	2
Total	48

[Mary Wilson]

200-300 Texans feared ailing of measles as disease spreads through state

Feb 15, 2025
By Timothy Malcolm, Weekend Editor

A West Texas community is grappling with the largest measles outbreak in the state in nearly 30 years. Officials are concerned that hundreds may be infected with the otherwise rare disease because of a lack of vaccinations.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported Fridaythat over the last three weeks, the agency has identified 48 confirmed cases of measles ...

The outbreak is happening in what state officials are calling a "close-knit, undervaccinated" Mennonite community in Gaines County ...

It's just that the community doesn't go and get regular health care."

Officials told NBC News that it's likely that 200-300 residents of West Texas are infected and untested. ...

https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/measles-vaccine-vaccinations-outbreak-texas-20169162.php

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-aler...ak-feb-18-2025

The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains region of Texas. At this time, 58 cases have been identified with symptom onset within the last three weeks. Thirteen of the patients have been hospitalized. Four of the cases are vaccinated. The rest are unvaccinated, or their vaccination status is 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.
Texas Case Count by County County Cases
Gaines 45
Lubbock 1
Lynn 1
Terry 9
Yoakum 2
Total 58

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-aler...ak-feb-21-2025

February 21, 2025



The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains region of Texas. At this time, 90 cases have been identified since late January. Sixteen of the patients have been hospitalized. Five of the cases are vaccinated. The rest are unvaccinated, or their vaccination status is unknown. 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 if there are new cases to report.

Dawson	6
Ector	1
Gaines	57
Lubbock	1
Lynn	1
Terry	20
Yoakum	4
Total	90

26	51	10	3

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.
People can contact their health care provider to get vaccinated or visit the South Plains Public Health District Clinic at 704 Hobbs Highway in Seminole to get vaccinated.
Additional information for the public and health care providers is available at the links below:
DSHS News Release
DSHS Health Alert
You can find data on vaccination coverage levels in schools here:
School Coverage
Conscientious Exemptions

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.tpr.org/public-health/20...in-san-antonio

Measles warnings issued in San Antonio and San Marcos as Texas outbreak spreads
Texas Public Radio | By David Martin Davies
Published February 23, 2025 at 6:19 PM CST

The largest measles outbreak in decades has reached San Antonio and San Marcos, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Officials say an individual who tested positive for the virus in West Texas traveled to two major universities and one of the nation's busiest tourist attractions — the San Antonio River Walk.

Friday, February 14th:

Texas State University in San Marcos from approximately 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Twin Peaks restaurant in San Marcos from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, February 15th:

The University of Texas at San Antonio Main Campus between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
San Antonio River Walk attractions— Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Ripley’s Illusion Lab between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m on Saturday, February 15th.
Mr. Crabby's Seafood and Bar in Live Oak between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Health officials say anyone at these public locations during these times or up to two hours afterward should monitor for symptoms...

[Pathfinder]

Measles Exposures in Central & South-Central Texas


Health Alert
February 24, 2025

Summary


Multiple health departments in Central and South-Central Texas recently reported measles exposures associated with the ongoing outbreak in the South Plains region of Texas. Healthcare providers in Central and South-Central Texas are asked to review the information in this alert and be vigilant for cases of measles resulting from these exposures.

DSHS advises clinicians to immediately report any suspected cases to your local health department, preferably while the patient is in your presence.

Background


A measles outbreak centered in West Texas continues to grow. That outbreak was the subject of a DSHS health alert on Feb. 5, and the latest information on it is available in a DSHS News Update. A person from the outbreak area who was later diagnosed with measles visited locations in the San Marcos and San Antonio areas the weekend of Feb. 14-16 while they were contagious. A measles exposure may have occurred at the following times and locations:

Friday, Feb. 14

• 3 to 7 p.m. – Texas State University, San Marcos
• 6 to 10 p.m. – Twin Peaks Restaurant, San Marcos

Saturday, Feb. 15

• 10 a.m to 4 p.m. – University of Texas at San Antonio Main Campus
• 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and Ripley’s Illusion Lab, San Antonio
• 6 to 10 p.m. – Mr. Crabby’s Seafood, Live Oak

Sunday, Feb. 16

• 9 a.m. to 12 noon – Buc-ee’s, New Braunfels

The measles virus can survive in the air for up to two hours, so the times listed include two hours after the individual left that location. Because measles symptoms can begin 7 to 21 days after an exposure, DSHS is sharing this information with health care providers and the public in the area so unvaccinated people may monitor themselves for symptoms and seek testing if symptoms occur. More information on the possible exposures is available from Hays County Health Department, San Antonio Metro Health District, and Comal County Public Health.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Illness onset (high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes) begins a week or two after someone is exposed. 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 with measles should stay home from work or school during that period.

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 (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. Some vaccinated people can occasionally develop measles; however, they generally experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the disease to other people. DSHS and CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend children receive one dose of MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years. Each MMR dose lowers the risk of infection and severity of illness if infected. Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they get infected with the measles virus.

Recommendations For Health Care Professionals:


Healthcare providers should consider measles in patients presenting with the following symptoms, particularly those who have traveled abroad or had contact with known measles cases:

• Fever ≥101°F (38.3°C) AND
• Generalized maculopapular rash lasting ≥3 days AND
  • Rash usually begins at the hairline/scalp and progresses down the body
• Cough, runny nose, or conjunctivitis OR Koplik spots (bluish-white specks or a red-rose background appearing on the buccal and labial mucosa usually opposite the molars).

Immediately report any suspected measles cases to your local health department (contact information below). If possible, please report while the patient is present to facilitate testing and the public health investigation, including follow-up of potential exposures. Diagnostic Testing


Testing for measles should be done for all suspected measles cases at the time of the initial medical visit:

• DSHS strongly encourages providers to submit specimens for PCR testing to the DSHS Laboratory because genotyping will be performed on positive PCR specimens, which can be helpful during outbreaks.
• The DSHS Laboratory can perform PCR testing on throat swabs (preferred) or nasopharyngeal swabs placed in viral transport media and serology on serum specimens.
• Measles PCR and serology (IgM and IgG) testing is available at both the DSHS Laboratory and at commercial laboratories.
• Providers must contact their local health department or DSHS regional office to coordinate testing at the DSHS Laboratory to ensure specimens are submitted correctly and meet testing requirements.
• Unless coordinated in advance, specimens may only be received by the DSHS Laboratory during normal business hours Monday through Friday.

Recommendations for Public Health

• MMR Vaccine
  • The best defense against getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles such as MMR vaccine.
• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • MMR vaccine, if administered within 72 hours of initial measles exposure, may provide some protection, or modify the clinical course of disease among susceptible persons who otherwise have no contraindications to MMR vaccination (e.g., severe immunocompromise, age <6 months, pregnancy). (cdc.gov/surv-manual/php/table-of-contents/chapter-7-measles.html). Providing MMR vaccine within 72 hours should be focused on people unvaccinated and people with one dose of MMR vaccine.
  • Susceptible persons who receive a dose of MMR vaccine as PEP within 72 hours of initial measles exposure may return to childcare, school, or work.
  • Children 6 months to 12 months of age may be given one dose of MMR if exposure occurred within 72 hours. Any susceptible contact between 6 months and 12 months of age who receives MMR vaccination should follow the CDC’s recommended schedule, as mentioned above. Children less than 6 months of age are not recommended to receive an MMR vaccine.
  • For people who are fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine or have measles infection documentation, a dose of MMR vaccine is not recommended.
• Immunoglobulin (IG)
  • IG, if administered within six days of initial measles exposure, may provide some protection against measles or modify the clinical course of disease among susceptible persons (cdc.gov/surv-manual/php/table-of-contents/chapter-7-measles.html). IG is available to be given intramuscularly (IGIM) or intravenously (IGIV). Depending on the patient’s personal medical history and time from exposure, IG may or may not be recommended.
  • IG is the only option for PEP for populations that cannot receive MMR vaccine (infants less than six months of age, severely immunocompromised people, and pregnant people).
  • Priority should be given to persons exposed in settings with intense, prolonged, and close contact (e.g., household, daycare, classroom) and for those at high risk of severe disease. IG PEP should be provided to severely immunocompromised contacts regardless of prior measles vaccination status due to the risk for severe disease.
  • IG PEP can be given to susceptible infants aged 6–12 months, although MMR vaccine is preferred per American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance if received within 72 hours of exposure.
  • IG can be obtained at a local hospital or through public health departments.

Controlling Outbreaks in Group Settings

• People with confirmed or suspected measles should stay home from school, work, and other group settings until after the fourth day of rash onset.
• During an outbreak, people without documented immunity from vaccination or previous measles infection should be isolated from anyone with measles to protect those without immunity and control the outbreak. Additional information on school exclusion and readmission can be found at School Communicable Disease Chart.
• According to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Rule §97.7, schools and childcare settings shall exclude unimmunized children for at least 21 days after the last date the unimmunized child was exposed to a measles case.

Recommendations for the Public


If you think you have measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, isolate yourself from others and call your healthcare provider before arriving to be tested so they can prepare for your arrival without exposing other people to the virus. Measles is extremely contagious and can cause life-threatening illness to anyone who is not protected against the virus. Review your and your child’s vaccination history to see if you are up to date on your measles vaccines. Additionally, discuss with your provider your vaccination history and any questions about these vaccines.

...

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-exposures-central-south-central-texas