Wed Feb 19 13:10:00 UTC 2025: **West Texas Measles Outbreak Reaches 58 Cases, Spreading to New Mexico**

AMARILLO, Texas/HOBBS, New Mexico (AP) — A measles outbreak in rural West Texas has ballooned to 58 confirmed cases, with the virus also infecting eight people in neighboring eastern New Mexico, health officials announced Tuesday. This marks Texas’ largest measles outbreak in nearly 30 years.

The majority of the Texas cases (45) are concentrated in Gaines County, with additional infections reported in Terry, Lubbock, Lynn, and Yoakum counties. Thirteen individuals in Texas are currently hospitalized due to the illness. The outbreak is largely affecting a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community, with many cases occurring among children attending private religious schools or being homeschooled, according to state health officials.

In New Mexico, the eight cases are all located in Lea County, bordering Gaines County. This includes a family of five currently in isolation, though no hospitalizations have been reported in the state. Six of the New Mexico cases involve unvaccinated individuals. Potential exposure sites in New Mexico include a grocery store, elementary school, church, hospital, and Walgreens in Hobbs.

Measles, a highly contagious respiratory virus, can remain airborne for up to two hours. The CDC reports that up to 90% of susceptible individuals will contract the virus upon exposure. While most children recover, serious complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death are possible.

Health officials emphasize the safety and effectiveness of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. They are urging vaccination, particularly given that Gaines County has one of the highest rates of vaccine opt-outs in Texas, with almost 14% of K-12 students not receiving at least one required vaccine in the 2023-24 school year. This number likely underrepresents the true figure, as it excludes homeschooled children.

Both Texas and New Mexico are actively responding. Texas is conducting vaccination clinics and outreach programs, while New Mexico is urging medical providers to be vigilant, tracing contacts, and offering free vaccination clinics. The rise in cases underscores concerns about declining childhood vaccination rates nationwide, potentially linked to the pandemic and increased use of religious or personal exemptions from vaccination requirements.

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