A measles outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, has infected 24 people—22 children and two adults—according to the latest update from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The outbreak, which began in late January, has led to the hospitalization of nine patients so far.

Unvaccinated Population at Highest Risk

Health officials confirmed that all reported cases occurred among unvaccinated individuals. The highly contagious nature of measles raises concerns about further transmission in the region.

“It is troubling because this was completely preventable,” said Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins, in an interview with CBS News. “Measles is the most contagious infectious disease known to humans. When we see outbreaks like this, it signals a breakdown in vaccination coverage.”

Spike in Cases Follows Alarming Vaccination Trends

Earlier this year, Texas reported its first measles cases since 2023, with two infections confirmed in Harris County. The resurgence prompted a DSHS health alert on January 23, warning healthcare providers to be vigilant.

Officials at DSHS caution that additional cases are expected in Gaines County and nearby areas. In a public health advisory, DSHS urged clinicians to report suspected cases immediately to local health authorities, emphasizing the importance of rapid intervention to prevent further spread.

Low Vaccination Rates Contributing to Outbreak

The growing outbreak aligns with declining measles vaccination rates in Texas and nationwide. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2023-2024 school year saw a record-high exemption rate of 3.3% for kindergarteners. In Gaines County, the situation is far more severe, with 17.62% of children—nearly one in five—lacking the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Health Officials Urge Vaccination Amid Rising Cases

Public health experts stress that measles outbreaks are entirely preventable through vaccination. The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective at preventing measles.

As cases rise, health officials urge parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and warn that failure to do so could lead to continued outbreaks and hospitalizations.

“With vaccination rates declining, we are likely to see more outbreaks in communities with low immunization coverage,” Adalja noted. “This is a public health concern that requires urgent attention.”