Texas Declares End to Largest Measles Outbreak Since 2000

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has officially declared the end of the West Texas measles outbreak, marking the largest resurgence of the disease in the United States since its elimination in 2000. The outbreak, which began in late January in Seminole, Texas, resulted in 762 confirmed cases, 99 hospitalizations, and two deaths among unvaccinated school-aged children.

The outbreak originated in undervaccinated Mennonite communities in Gaines County, which became the national epicenter. The disease spread to over 10 counties, including Dallam, Dawson, Ector, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Terry, and Yoakum. This outbreak was linked to wider outbreaks in Canada, Mexico, and other U.S. states.

DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford praised public health professionals for their efforts in testing, vaccination, monitoring, and education. She emphasized the importance of continued vigilance, as global spread of the virus remains a concern.

The outbreak highlighted the consequences of declining vaccination rates and vaccine hesitancy, particularly in communities with low immunization coverage. The resurgence of measles, a disease previously declared eliminated, underscores the need for robust public health infrastructure and proactive vaccination campaigns.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe complications but is preventable through the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles.

The end of this outbreak does not mean the threat of measles is over. Since there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in North America and around the world, it is likely that there will be additional cases of measles this year in Texas.

DSHS emphasized the importance of vaccination to prevent future outbreaks, noting that measles remains a threat due to ongoing global cases. Commissioner Shuford reiterated the need for ongoing vigilance and commended health professionals for their substantial work in managing the outbreak.