On February 20, 2025, the CDC reported 93 confirmed cases of measles across several states, including Alaska, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island, and Texas. By February 28, 2025, Texas had documented a total of 146 measles cases since late January, primarily among unvaccinated individuals linked to an outbreak in the South Plains region. Five of these cases (3%) involved vaccinated individuals, said RN Nikki Burwell, public health nurse and immunization coordinator at the Clay County Health Department.

Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory illness that poses significant health risks, particularly to unvaccinated individuals, Burwell said. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, which are often followed by a rash. While most cases are mild, serious complications can arise, including pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis.

The sickness can be prevented with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to the CDC. The first dose is recommended to be administered between 12 and 15 months, with the second between 4 and 6 years old. Receiving the MMR vaccine not only protects from the measles but contributes to community immunity, said Burwell.

Babies and young children who are too young to be vaccinated are at the highest risk of measles.

Clay County has reported no measles cases. Among children, the county holds a vaccination rate of 78% who have received their first dose of the MMR vaccine after their first birthday, and 97% who received their second dose before entering kindergarten.