The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has declared the end of the measles outbreak that began in West Texas earlier this year. The agency confirmed that more than 42 days have passed since a new case was reported in any of the affected counties, meeting the threshold public health officials use to determine an outbreak is over.
A total of 762 cases were confirmed since late January, with over two-thirds occurring in children. Ninety-nine people required hospitalization during the outbreak, and two school-aged children died from complications related to measles.
“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 consider an outbreak concluded after 42 days without new cases because it represents twice measles’ maximum incubation period—the time between exposure and onset of symptoms.
DSHS noted that although this particular outbreak has ended, there is still risk for additional cases due to ongoing outbreaks elsewhere in North America and globally. The department advised healthcare providers to remain alert for symptoms consistent with measles and continue testing when appropriate.
Measles is described as a highly contagious respiratory illness. About one in five children infected during outbreaks require hospital care, and one in twenty develop pneumonia. In rare instances, patients may experience brain swelling or death. Measles can also cause pregnancy complications such as premature birth or low birth weight infants.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne spread when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear within one to two weeks after exposure; early signs include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes followed by a rash starting on the face and spreading downward.
Individuals who suspect they have measles are encouraged to isolate themselves and call their healthcare provider before seeking medical attention so proper precautions can be taken.
Vaccination remains the primary prevention strategy against measles infection. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine—commonly given as MMR (measles-mumps-rubella)—are recommended for children at 12-15 months old and again at 4-6 years old. According to DSHS and CDC guidelines, these two doses prevent more than 97 percent of infections; vaccinated individuals who do contract measles generally experience milder symptoms and are less likely to transmit the virus.
Healthcare providers are instructed to follow infection control recommendations from DSHS alerts and report suspected cases promptly while patients are still present.
