More Details on West Texas Measles Outbreak; Cases Total 158
March 3, 2025 – During her testimony before the Texas House Committee on Public Health, Texas DSHS Commissioner Dr. Jennifer Shuford provided a detailed update on the ongoing outbreak affecting parts of Texas. Dr. Shuford reported that over the past weekend, the total number of confirmed cases increased from 146 to 158. While this jump may appear modest, it underscores that the outbreak remains active in the same nine counties in Texas’ South Plains and Panhandle that had previously reported cases.
The single case reported in Rockwall Texas is not considered part of the West Texas outbreak. That person has fully recovered, and no other related cases have been reported.
This concentrated geographic pattern is significant for public health efforts. Since all new cases emerged within the already identified clusters, it suggests that transmission is continuing in areas with established infection chains rather than spreading into new territories. Dr. Shuford stressed that maintaining focused surveillance and targeted intervention in these nine counties is essential. Health officials are now intensifying efforts in these regions by ramping up testing, contact tracing, and community outreach to better understand transmission dynamics and limit further spread.
Cases by vaccination status:
- Not vaccinated: 79
- Unknown status: 62
- Vaccinated with at least one dose: 5
Local healthcare providers have been alerted to the increased risk and are urged to stay vigilant for early signs of infection among their patients. In addition to clinical monitoring, public health departments are enhancing education campaigns to encourage preventive behaviors such as regular handwashing, wearing masks when appropriate, and practicing social distancing. The DSHS is also collaborating closely with local authorities to ensure that resources are efficiently allocated to manage and mitigate the outbreak.
Dr. Shuford’s testimony serves as a reminder that even slight increases in case numbers warrant immediate attention. It emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance, transparency, and robust public health strategies to safeguard communities in the South Plains and Panhandle regions. As the situation continues to evolve, Texas DSHS remains committed to closely monitoring the outbreak and updating both lawmakers and the public on further developments.
