Lubbock health officials address West Texas measles outbreak and vaccination updates

The City of Lubbock is taking urgent action in response to a significant measles outbreak that has affected West Texas since January 2025. During a recent news conference, health officials, including Dr. Catherine Wells, provided an update on the situation, emphasizing the importance of vaccination, particularly the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

Dr. Wells reported that the outbreak began with two confirmed cases in children from Gaines County, marking the first instances of measles in the South Plains in over 20 years. This alarming development has since spread to over 23 counties in Texas, with additional cases reported in El Paso and even crossing state lines into Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Kansas, totaling more than 100 associated cases.

In light of the outbreak, the Texas Department of State Health Services has expanded the designated outbreak zone to include Lubbock County. This change means that vaccination recommendations for both children and adults will be updated to combat the spread of the virus.

The local medical community, including representatives from Covenant Health University Medical Center and United Supermarkets, joined the conference to stress the critical need for vaccinations. They highlighted that many healthcare providers in the area have never encountered measles before, as it has not circulated in the region for nearly two decades.

As Lubbock County residents face this public health challenge, officials are urging the community to prioritize vaccination to protect themselves and others from the potentially severe consequences of measles. The city remains committed to addressing this outbreak and ensuring the health and safety of its residents.