Measles - its making a comeback
Highly contagious
As of February 10, 2025, a measles outbreak in Gaines County, West Texas, has resulted in 15 confirmed cases, primarily among unvaccinated school-aged children. The initial cases were identified in late January, with some linked to private religious schools. Local health officials have responded by establishing a drive-through vaccination clinic and offering screening services to residents.
Gaines County and Unvaccinated Youths
Gaines County has one of the highest rates of vaccine exemptions in Texas, with nearly 14% of children from kindergarten through 12th grade having exemptions in the 2023-24 school year. This is significantly higher than the state average of 2.32%. The decline in vaccination rates has been a concern since the COVID-19 pandemic, as most states have fallen below the 95% vaccination threshold necessary to protect communities against measles outbreaks.
Measles is Contagious
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness transmitted through infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Imagine someone sneezing in a grocery store, and two hours later you walk through that store and get measles. You can even be 100 feet away from someone and get it. Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Individuals are contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days after.
Vaccination and prevention
The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends that children receive the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 to 6 years. In response to the outbreak, health officials advise that residents of Gaines County ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations.
Why This Isn’t An Immigration Issue
The measles outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, is not linked to illegal immigration. Instead, it is primarily associated with low vaccination rates among local residents, particularly in private religious schools with high vaccine exemption rates. More below and the history of immigration and blame.
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