Health Alert: Texas 2025 Measles Outbreak – Expanded Outbreak Counties

Summary

As part of the ongoing measles outbreak response, DSHS is updating the list of counties currently included in the designated outbreak area. It now includes Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum counties.

Background

The measles outbreak in Texas has grown to include a total of at least 481 cases since January. Based on the most recent epidemiological information, the Texas Department of State Health Services is updating the list of counties included in the designated outbreak area. It now includes ten counties: Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum. These counties have ongoing transmission of measles, and 95 percent of the confirmed cases have been in these counties as of April 4.

• Cochran, Dallam, Garza, Lamar, and Lubbock counties are newly included in the outbreak area.
• Dawson, Gaines, Lynn, Terry, and Yoakum counties continue to be included.
• Martin County is no longer included.

Vaccination Recommendations

Vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the best protection against measles. DSHS has issued the following MMR vaccine recommendations for persons who live in or visit counties in the designated outbreak area:

Infants

• Immediately administer an early dose of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for infants aged 6-11 months.

Children

• Administer a second dose of MMR vaccine for preschool-aged children aged 1 to 4 years who received one prior dose.
• Children at least one year of age with no documentation of vaccination history should receive two doses at least 28 days apart.

Adults

• Administer a second dose of MMR vaccine for adults who received one prior dose.
• Adults with no documentation of vaccination history should receive two doses at least 28 days apart.

Visit the DSHS measles outbreak page for printable MMR vaccine recommendations.

Individuals exposed to measles regardless of county of residence should be offered MMR vaccine as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance: Prevention of Measles, Rubella, Congenital Rubella Syndrome, and Mumps, 2013.

Increasing MMR coverage is a statewide priority. DSHS encourages all eligible individuals to be up to date on MMR vaccination to limit and prevent measles outbreaks.

DSHS continues to evaluate the area included in the designated outbreak area and will update it accordingly.