
The number of measles cases in an outbreak in the South Plains region of northern Texas has grown from 24 illnesses to 48 in just the past 3 days, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported today.
Thirteen patients (27%) have required hospital care. All patients are unvaccinated, or their measles vaccine status remains unknown. The first cases in the region were confirmed on January 23. Since then, the DSHS reported 6 cases on February 5 and 24 cases on February 11.
Gaines County is the hardest hit, with 42 of the 48 cases. Other affected counties are Terry (3 cases), Yoakum (2), and Lynn (1).
More cases likely
"Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities," the agency said today. "DSHS is working with South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health to investigate the outbreak."
"The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella [MMR] vaccine," the agency added. "Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles."
The South Plains region comprises 24 counties, extends south of the Texas Panhandle, and includes Lubbock. It is an agricultural region known for its high cotton production and cattle ranches.