An outbreak of measles has been reported in Gaines County, Texas, with 24 cases identified as of Feb. 11, 2025. The majority of cases are among school-aged children and young children under the age of 5, with nine patients hospitalized. All cases are among unvaccinated residents of Gaines County. Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, additional cases are expected in Gaines County and surrounding communities. The virus is spread through airborne droplets and can remain infectious for up to two hours. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. The Texas Department of State Health Services is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak. Vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is the best prevention method. Anyone exposed to measles should isolate themselves and contact a healthcare provider. During outbreaks, unvaccinated individuals should be isolated and excluded from group settings like schools and childcare facilities. The Texas Administrative Code mandates a 21-day exclusion period for unvaccinated children exposed to measles. The last reported measles cases in Texas were in January 2025. It is important to stay up-to-date on vaccinations and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.
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