The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported that the measles outbreak in Texas has affected at least 481 individuals since January. In response, the DSHS has revised the list of counties currently identified as part of the outbreak area. The updated list includes Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum counties.

These counties have been experiencing sustained transmission, with 95% of confirmed cases occurring there as of April 4. Newly included counties are Cochran, Dallam, Garza, Lamar, and Lubbock, while Dawson, Gaines, Lynn, Terry, and Yoakum continue to be part of the outbreak region. Martin County has been removed from the list.

The DSHS emphasizes that vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the best defense against measles. Recommendations for the MMR vaccine have been issued for residents or visitors of the affected counties. Infants aged 6-11 months should immediately receive an early dose, while preschool-aged children who have already had one dose should receive a second. For children aged at least one year with no vaccination record, two doses are advised, at a minimum of 28 days apart.

Adults in these areas who have previously received one dose are recommended to receive a second dose, whereas those without any documentation of vaccination history should also receive two doses spaced by at least 28 days.

Individuals exposed to measles, regardless of their county of residence, should be offered the MMR vaccine as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) in accordance with the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The DSHS underscores that increasing MMR coverage is a priority across the state and encourages everyone eligible to be current with their vaccinations to limit and prevent further measles outbreaks. The department will continue to monitor and update the outbreak area as necessary.