Measles is making an unfortunate comeback in West Texas. With one reported death and over 20 hospitalizations in the Lubbock area alone, health officials are urging everyone to check their immunization status — especially since this is the first measles-related death in the U.S. in the past decade.

The good news? If you’ve been vaccinated or have already had measles in the past, you’re protected. Your immune system knows how to fight off the virus. But if you’re unvaccinated, exposure comes with a 99% chance of getting infected — and that’s not a risk anyone should take.

What Makes Measles So Dangerous?

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases out there. It spreads through the air, and the virus can hang around in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.

It starts with flu-like symptoms — fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes — but it quickly escalates. One of the tell-tale signs of measles is a rash that spreads from head to toe. While some people recover fully, others can suffer serious complications like:

  • Pneumonia
  • Hearing loss
  • Brain inflammation (encephalitis)

Infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is the best defense we have. One dose is 93% effective, and completing the two-dose series makes it 97% effective at preventing measles.

For children, the vaccine schedule looks like this:

  • First dose: 12 to 15 months
  • Second dose: 4 to 6 years

During outbreaks like this one, even babies as young as 6 months can get vaccinated for early protection. Teens and adults who never got vaccinated or aren’t sure of their immunity can get a titer blood test to check. If the titer shows immunity, you’re all set — if not, it’s time to get vaccinated.

Hereford Regional Medical Center offers titer testing at our clinic, with results available in 2 to 3 days. To schedule, call (806) 364-7512.

What If You’ve Been Exposed?

If you’re unvaccinated and exposed to someone with measles, the health department recommends a 21-day quarantine — even if you don’t feel sick right away. That’s because measles has a 7-day incubation period (where symptoms are developing), followed by up to 14 days of active illness.

If you receive the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure, you might be able to avoid infection — but after that window, isolation is the only option to protect others.

If you do come down with measles, there’s no medication to make it go away faster — treatment is focused on staying hydrated, managing fever with Tylenol, and letting your body fight the virus.

The Current Situation in Deaf Smith County

As of now, there are no confirmed measles cases in Deaf Smith County — but with the outbreak spreading across West Texas, that could change quickly.

“We want our community to be informed, not alarmed,” said Candice Smith, RN, CEO of Deaf Smith County Hospital District. “If you’re vaccinated, you’re in good shape. If you’re not sure, come in for a titer test. Together, we can keep this from spreading.”

Bottom Line: Check Your Immunity

✅ Vaccinated or had measles before? You’re protected.
💉 Not sure? Call (806) 364-7512 to schedule a titer test.
🛑 Unvaccinated? Now’s the time to act — before the virus comes to our community.