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We connect, educate and advocate to ensure access to vaccines and increase immunization.
The overload of information, and misinformation, about vaccines requires insight from a qualified network of scientific experts.
State law directs public health practices and can create effective interventions for increasing immunization rates.
Texas' strength depends on the health of its citizens. We advocate every day to keep Texans strong.
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Lakshmanan: Texas Measles Outbreak Nears 100 Cases, Raising Concerns About Undetected Spread
Some private schools have shut down because of a rapidly escalating measles outbreak in West Texas. Local health departments are overstretched, pausing other important work as they race to limit the spread of this highly contagious virus.
The department has confirmed 90 cases with 16 hospitalizations, as of Feb. 21. Most of those infected are under age 18. Officials suspect that nine additional measles cases reported in New Mexico, across the border from the epicenter of the Texas outbreak in Gaines County, are linked to the Texas outbreak. Ongoing investigations seek to confirm that connection. read more…
Hot Spot
ALERT – 2025 Texas Measles Outbreak
What We Know – Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Reports (as of Mar 21):
• 309 cases of measles confirmed in South Plains and other areas of Texas
• One death
• Cases are across 14 counties
• Age breakdown: 0-4 years (102 cases), 5-17 years (130 cases), 18+ years (58 cases), Pending (19 cases)
• 40 hospitalizations
• 99% of cases are in unvaccinated people
March 16, 2025. The Houston Health Department announced a travel-associated measles case in an infant and unrelated to the South Plains outbreak.
February 25, 2025. The Department of State Health Services also issued an advisory about measles exposure in San Marcos and San Antonio.
Gaines County, in the lower pandhandle, has one of the lowest childhood vaccination rates in Texas. In the 2023-2024 school year, Gaines County had the lowest kindergarten MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination rate (81.97%) among several West Texas counties, significantly trailing behind Lubbock (92.95%), Ector (Odessa) (91.28%), and Midland (94.77%). At least 95% vaccination coverage is needed to prevent measles outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations. (CDC, WHO).