The Texas Department of State Health Services has declared the end of the measles outbreak that began in West Texas earlier this year. Officials say more than 42 days have passed since a new case was reported in any affected county, meeting the threshold public health experts use to consider an outbreak over.
A total of 762 measles cases were confirmed since late January, with more than two-thirds occurring in children. Ninety-nine people required hospitalization and two school-aged children died during the outbreak.
“I want to highlight the tireless work of the public health professionals across the state who contributed to the containment of one of the most contagious viruses. We arrived at this point through a comprehensive outbreak response that included testing, vaccination, disease monitoring and educating the public about measles through awareness campaigns,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH. “I also want to recognize the many health care professionals who identified and treated cases of a virus that most providers had never seen in person before this outbreak.”
Health officials explain that an outbreak is considered over after 42 days without new cases because this period is twice as long as measles’ maximum incubation time.
Authorities caution that while this particular outbreak has ended, measles remains a threat due to ongoing outbreaks elsewhere in North America and globally. They urge health care providers to remain alert for possible cases and continue testing patients with symptoms consistent with measles.
Measles is described as a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be serious for unvaccinated individuals. During outbreaks, about one in five sick children require hospital care; some may develop pneumonia or experience complications such as brain swelling or death. Pregnant women are at risk for premature birth or babies with low birth weight if infected.
The virus spreads via direct contact with infectious droplets or through airborne transmission when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms typically begin within one to two weeks after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by a rash starting on the face and spreading downwards. Infected individuals are contagious from four days before until four days after the rash appears.
People who suspect they have measles or believe they were exposed should isolate themselves and call their health provider before visiting a clinic to avoid exposing others.
Vaccination remains the best prevention strategy against measles infection. The recommended schedule includes two doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine—one at 12-15 months old and another at 4-6 years old—which protects more than 97 percent of recipients from infection. Even if vaccinated individuals contract measles, their symptoms tend to be milder and they are less likely to transmit it further.
Children too young for vaccination face higher risks if exposed but benefit from widespread immunization efforts in reducing community transmission.
Health care providers are encouraged to consult DSHS alerts for guidance on infection control and diagnostic procedures and must report suspected cases promptly to local authorities while patients remain under observation.
