Two of the four cases are in Lubbock, which hasn’t seen a case in more than 20 years. Meanwhile, measles vaccination rates in Texas have fallen over the last four years.

Summary

Texas has reported four measles cases in two weeks, including two in Lubbock—the first there in over 20 years. All cases involved unvaccinated individuals.

The outbreak coincides with a drop in Texas’ kindergarten measles vaccination rate from 97% in 2020 to 94.3% in 2024. Health officials urge vaccinations to prevent further spread.

The trend reflects a broader decline in immunization rates, fueled by political debates over vaccine mandates. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as HHS secretary has further energized the vaccine choice movement.