A growing number of measles cases are being reported in Texas, primarily among children under 17 years old. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there have been 124 confirmed cases as of Thursday. While Bexar County has not yet reported any measles cases, counties with lower vaccination rates have seen a higher number of infections.
The measles vaccine is recommended for children at ages 12-15 months and again between four to six years old. In Texas, the vaccine is one of several required to attend school, but exemptions are allowed for medical or conscientious reasons. However, counties with low vaccination rates tend to have more cases.
Gaines County in West Texas has reported 80 confirmed measles cases, with a relatively high MMR coverage rate among kindergarteners at 82%. In contrast, Bexar County, where most private schools have an MMR coverage rate of over 98%, has not yet reported a case. The state’s World Health Organization-recommended threshold for preventing outbreaks is 95% coverage.
Despite the concerns, Texas has seen varying vaccination rates across different districts and campuses in the Bexar County area. For instance, Somerset ISD has a high MMR coverage rate of over 99%, while Edgewood ISD has a lower rate below 92%. The lack of data on some schools due to low reporting is also noted.
The rising number of measles cases highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks and protecting public health.
Source: https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2025/02/28/how-do-measles-vaccination-rates-vary-among-bexar-county-schools