A measles outbreak in rural West Texas continues to escalate, with confirmed cases now reaching at least 49. Health officials believe the actual number of infections could be significantly higher—potentially between 200 and 300 cases. Authorities are racing to contain the rapid spread of this highly contagious but preventable illness.
In Seminole, Texas, Aganetha Unger arrived at an emergency measles testing site in a large white van, with several of her eight children coughing in the back according to NBC News.
“We had some sickness at home—not too severe—but there was fever and some coughing,” said Unger, a Mennonite community member. One of her children had a fever of 103 degrees.
Her youngest, a 2-month-old wrapped in a pink blanket, remained quiet on her lap. When an EMS worker swabbed her nose for a test, she didn’t even react.
This was Thursday—just over a week after the Texas Department of State Health Services first reported the outbreak in the rural western part of the state. By Friday, the number of confirmed cases had more than doubled from 24 earlier in the week. Most cases are concentrated in Gaines County, which borders New Mexico.
The majority of infections are among school-aged children, and 13 patients have been hospitalized. None of the infected individuals are vaccinated, leaving them extremely susceptible to measles—one of the most contagious viruses in existence.
However, officials warn that the actual number of cases is likely much higher. Many infected individuals have not been tested, meaning the outbreak could be far more extensive than currently reported.
The outbreak comes at a pivotal time as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known vaccine skeptic, takes over as head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Kennedy has frequently spread misinformation about childhood vaccines, particularly the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, falsely claiming a connection to autism.
During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy denied being anti-vaccine. “I am pro-safety,” he stated. “All of my children are vaccinated, and I acknowledge the crucial role vaccines play in healthcare.”
Despite the escalating crisis, HHS has not issued a statement on the outbreak. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has offered assistance, but Texas has yet to request federal intervention.
The CDC has shipped 2,000 MMR vaccine doses to Texas health officials. However, most of these are being administered to children who have already received one dose, rather than reaching those who remain completely unvaccinated.
Experts warn that without a significant increase in vaccination rates, the outbreak could persist for months.
Gaines County: The Center of the Outbreak
The outbreak’s epicenter is Gaines County, a rural area known for its peanut and cotton farms, ranching, and a large Mennonite community. Many members of the Mennonite faith practice a lifestyle of separation from mainstream society, which often includes avoiding vaccinations.
According to health department data, Gaines County had one of Texas’ highest vaccine exemption rates for the 2023-24 school year, with nearly 18% of students unvaccinated.
“We have a very large number of unvaccinated individuals,” said Tonya Guffey, chief nursing officer at Seminole District Hospital. “It’s not a lack of education—it’s a matter of belief.”
While many of the unvaccinated belong to the Mennonite community, Guffey noted that vaccine hesitancy has also grown among other groups, particularly following misinformation surrounding COVID-19 vaccines.
Having worked in healthcare for more than 30 years, Guffey had never encountered a measles outbreak before. But given the high number of unvaccinated people in the area, she wasn’t shocked.
“With such a large unvaccinated population,” she said, “this outbreak isn’t entirely unexpected.”
Measles Reaches Lubbock
Until recently, cases had remained in rural areas surrounding Lubbock, the region’s largest city. That changed on Friday when Lubbock Public Health confirmed its first measles case.
Lubbock serves as a commercial hub, attracting residents from smaller surrounding towns for shopping and other services. Many of those traveling into the city are unvaccinated, increasing the risk of further spread.
The MMR vaccine requires two doses for full protection. The first is typically given at around 12 months of age, while the second isn’t administered until around age 5. This gap leaves young children somewhat vulnerable. However, in cases of exposure, doctors can provide the second dose early, which Montanez has done for several of her patients.
She continues to counsel hesitant families about the benefits of vaccination, hoping to curb further spread.
Fears for the Most Vulnerable
For Carina Perez and her husband, Ben Ham, the outbreak is deeply concerning. They are foster parents to an 18-month-old girl—affectionately nicknamed “Muffin”—who is highly susceptible to severe illness.
Muffin has received her first dose of the MMR vaccine but is too young for the second. Additionally, she was born with multiple health conditions, including reactive airway disease, which makes her especially vulnerable to respiratory infections.
She has already been admitted to the ICU three times due to complications from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and even common colds.
“The slightest illness can make her seriously sick,” Perez said. “We have to be extremely careful about taking her into public spaces.”
As the outbreak expands, families like Perez’s remain on high alert—hoping to protect their youngest and most vulnerable loved ones from the spreading virus.
