March Measles Memo
Dr. Shuford explains where we are, where we're headed, and ways to keep our communities safe
In a briefing on March 3, Dr. Jennifer Shuford, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, informed the House Public Health Committee about the growing Texas measles epidemic, centered in West Texas and now migrating to other parts of the state. Dr. Shuford presented background information on measles; described the steps DSHS is taking to monitor and manage the epidemic; and answered legislators’ questions about how decreasing rates of childhood vaccination are related to the surge in measles—a disease that the World Health Organization declared eradicated in the United States in 2000.
Texas Impact has provided this clip of Dr. Shuford’s testimony with her slides integrated, to help viewers follow the presentation. Along with other information, Dr. Shuford shared the following:
• Measles is highly contagious.
• Measles is spread by respiratory droplets like flu or COVID-19 and is also airborne like tuberculosis.
• That means measles virus can stay in the air for up to 2 hours, with the potential to infect people who are in that airspace.
• Up to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people will become infected if exposed to measles.
• The best protection against measles is measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
• MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.
• The MMR vaccine has been used in the U.S. for more than 50 years.
Expectations for the 2025 Texas Measles Outbreak
• Due to the number of suspect cases, outbreak-associated cases will continue to increase.
• Other measles outbreaks like the 2019 New York outbreak lasted months.
• Similar to the New York outbreak, Texas may face months of ongoing transmission.
• Children who test positive for measles, as well as unvaccinated or undervaccinated children who are exposed to measles, will be excluded from school due to the contagiousness of the disease, impacting schools and learning.
• Overall MMR coverage in Texas is lower than for the United States. However, many Texas communities have higher vaccine coverage rates that will prevent widespread transmission of measles throughout the state.
During the hearing, Rep. Ann Johnson asked Dr. Shuford questions about measles vaccination rates in Texas. They discussed the concept of “herd immunity,” including identifying that there are about three dozen counties in Texas where measles immunization rates are low enough to jeopardize herd immunity. Dr. Shuford pointed out that there is no anti-viral medication available for measles, so once an individual is sick, the disease must run its course.