A measles outbreak has occurred in rural West Texas, with 90 cases across seven counties and 16 people hospitalized. This outbreak is the largest in Texas in nearly 30 years. A neighboring county in eastern New Mexico also has nine cases, but there is no evidence of a connection to the Texas outbreak. The majority of cases are in children under 18, particularly in a close-knit Mennonite community with lower vaccination rates. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing measles. Vaccination rates matter to prevent outbreaks. Communities with higher rates create herd immunity, making it harder for diseases to spread. Health officials are conducting vaccination clinics and educational efforts in both states to control the spread of measles. The AP Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
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