Waco, TX – The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported a measles outbreak in the South Plains region, with 48 confirmed cases in the past three weeks. Thirteen patients have been hospitalized.
All cases involve individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, health officials anticipate additional cases in Gaines County and surrounding communities.
DSHS is working with the South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health to investigate and contain the outbreak.
Health officials emphasize that the most effective way to prevent measles is through immunization with two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and reducing the severity of illness in those exposed.
