The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported the second measles death in the ongoing outbreak in the South Plains region. A school-aged child, unvaccinated but with no underlying conditions, tested positive for measles, was hospitalized in Lubbock, and died from "measles pulmonary failure."
As of April 4, there are 481 confirmed measles cases since late January, mostly among children. Fifty-six individuals have required hospitalization due to the outbreak.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease, posing life-threatening risks to those unprotected. During outbreaks, one in five infected children may need hospital care, and one in 20 could develop pneumonia. In rare instances, measles can cause brain swelling or death and may lead to pregnancy complications such as premature birth or low birth weight babies.
An interactive dashboard, updated bi-weekly, provides more information on the outbreak. Health care providers have access to infection control and diagnostic testing recommendations and should promptly report suspected measles cases to local health authorities.
Measles spreads through direct contact with droplets or airborne transmission when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. After exposure, symptoms appear within one to two weeks, initially presenting as fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. A few days later, a rash emerges. Transmission is possible from four days before to four days after the rash appears, and potential patients should isolate and consult their health care provider before visiting to minimize exposure.
Vaccination with two doses of the measles-containing vaccine, primarily through the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, offers the best protection, preventing over 97 percent of infections. Vaccinated individuals can still contract measles in rare cases, usually with milder symptoms and reduced transmission risk. DSHS and the CDC advise children to receive the first MMR dose between 12 to 15 months and the second dose between 4 to 6 years. Young children are more prone to severe complications, though each vaccine dose lowers the risk and severity of infection.
