Measles Outbreak in Gaines County Remains Contained as Transmission Ceases
Gaines County, Texas, the outbreak's epicenter, has halted active measles transmission, highlighting progress in controlling the outbreak and emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
In a positive development, public health officials announced that Gaines County, the epicenter of Texas's recent measles outbreak which started in January, is no longer experiencing active measles transmission. This marks a significant milestone in controlling a widespread health crisis that affected many residents. The Department of State Health Services' latest weekly update reports that no new cases have been identified in the past week, maintaining the total confirmed cases at 753.
Throughout the outbreak, there have been 98 hospitalizations, and tragically, two unvaccinated children in Texas have lost their lives. Gaines County, which borders New Mexico, bore the brunt of the outbreak with 414 reported cases, primarily among unvaccinated individuals, illustrating the virus's rapid spread in susceptible populations.
While Gaines County's transmission has halted, the outbreak persists in Lamar County, which remains under active transmission status. The outbreak has extended beyond Texas borders, with neighboring states like New Mexico reporting 95 cases and Oklahoma recording 20 cases as of the same period. Additionally, Texas has reported 39 separate measles cases this year unrelated to the ongoing outbreak.
Nationwide, the number of measles cases in 2025 has already exceeded the total recorded in 2019, marking a concerning trend in vaccine-preventable diseases. Measles is extremely contagious, spreading swiftly among unvaccinated communities. The two-dose MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective, remains the best protective measure and is recommended starting at 12 months of age, except for certain vulnerable groups.
Health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health. As the outbreak appears to be winding down in Texas, ongoing vigilance and vaccination efforts are crucial to prevent further spread.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-measles-longer-gaines-county-epicenter.html
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