What Students Need to Know

A measles outbreak is spreading in Texas, with cases confirmed in Houston, Gaines County, and now reaching New Mexico. The number of cases is increasing rapidly, including at least three reported cases in Lubbock County, including one fatality. More cases are expected in the area, so it’s important to stay informed and take precautions.

For the latest case numbers, please visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.

What is Measles?

Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include:

• ✔️ High fever
• ✔️ Runny nose
• ✔️ Red, watery eyes
• ✔️ Sore throat with white spots
• ✔️ A rash that spreads across the body

In severe cases, measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), seizures, and even death. Over twenty people in West Texas have already been hospitalized due to the outbreak.

How to Protect Yourself

There is no cure for measles, but the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) provides strong protection:

• ✅ 1 dose = About 93% protection
• ✅ 2 doses = About 97% protection

*A booster shot is not needed

Over 97% of recent cases in Texas and New Mexico are in unvaccinated individuals, some of whom grew up outside the U.S. If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, check your childhood vaccine records or talk to Student Health Services.

CDC Guidelines for College Students  

• 📌 If you haven’t been vaccinated or don’t have proof of immunity, you should get two doses of the MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart.

Where to Get the Vaccine

• 💉 Student Health Services – MMR vaccines available through the Nurse Clinic. Call 806-743-2848 to schedule an appointment.
• 🚗 Lubbock Public Health Office – Drive-up measles vaccine clinic (for those who’ve never had a dose).

Who Should NOT Get the Vaccine?

Some people should avoid the MMR vaccine, including:

• 🚫 Those with a severe allergy to ingredients like neomycin
• 🚫 Pregnant individuals
• 🚫 People with immune system issues (such as HIV or cancer treatments)
• 🚫 People born before 1957 are considered naturally immune

What to Do if You Feel Sick or Were Exposed

If you develop symptoms or have been exposed to measles:

• 🔹 Stay home and isolate yourself
• 🔹 Call Student Health Services or an urgent care clinic for guidance
• 🔹 A telemedicine visit may be recommended to prevent spreading the virus

Reminder: Measles symptoms can take up to 21 days to appear after exposure.

Recommendations from the CDC for Domestic Travelers to Outbreak Areas and International Travelers:

• Talk to your doctor about the MMR vaccine, especially if you or your child plan to travel to an area with an ongoing outbreak or internationally. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide better protection (97%) against measles than one dose (93%).
• Check your destination and CDC’s Global Measles Travel Health Notice for more travel health advice if you plan to travel internationally, including countries measles outbreaks have been reported.
• After domestic travel to an area with an ongoing outbreak or international travel, watch for signs and symptoms of measles for 3 weeks after returning to the United States. If you or your child gets sick with a rash and a high fever, call your healthcare provider. Tell them you traveled to an area where they identified measles or another country and whether you or your child had received MMR vaccine.