The Texas Department of State Health Services has announced a measles outbreak in the South Plains region, with 159 cases reported since late January. Twenty-two individuals have been hospitalized, and there has been one fatality involving an unvaccinated school-aged child with no underlying health conditions.

Given the contagious nature of measles, further cases are anticipated in both the affected area and nearby communities. The DSHS is collaborating with local health departments to manage the outbreak and will provide updates twice weekly.

The current case count by county shows Gaines County as having the highest number at 107, followed by Terry County with 22 cases. Other counties report fewer cases, including Dawson (9), Yoakum (7), Dallam (4), Lubbock (3), Martin (3), Ector (2), and Lynn (2).

The age distribution of those infected includes 53 children aged 0-4 years, 74 individuals aged 5-17 years, and 27 adults aged over 18 years. Five cases remain pending classification.

Regarding vaccination status, 80 of those infected were not vaccinated, while the status remains unknown for 74 others. Five individuals had received at least one dose of a vaccine. Investigations are ongoing to determine if any vaccinated individuals received their MMR dose after exposure to the virus.

Health officials emphasize that immunization is key to preventing measles. The MMR vaccine is highly effective when administered in two doses. Vaccinations can be obtained from healthcare providers or pharmacies; specific programs like Texas Vaccines for Children also offer access.

In addition to this outbreak, four other measles cases in Texas are linked to international travel rather than local transmission. These include two cases in Harris County and one each in Rockwall and Travis Counties.

For more information on vaccination coverage levels in schools or other details related to this outbreak, refer to available public resources provided by health authorities.