News from the South - Texas News Feed
10 cases of measles reported in West Texas county
Texas reports new measles outbreak in West Texas
“Texas reports new measles outbreak in West Texas” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
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At least 10 cases of measles — eight of which are among school-aged children — have been reported in Gaines County in West Texas over the past two weeks, driving worries of an escalating outbreak.
Of the cases so far, seven have been hospitalized, according to a Texas Health and Human Services alert. All were unvaccinated and residents of Gaines County, which has a population of about 22,000 and borders New Mexico.
“Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities,” the alert said.
The new cases come more than a week after Texas health officials reported two Measles cases out of Gaines County, both involving unvaccinated school-aged children. Both children were hospitalized in Lubbock and later discharged. Earlier this week, state health officials said the number of cases had grown to six. Since then, cases have increased further.
West Texas is not alone in new cases of measles. In January, new measles cases were also reported in Harris County, prompting a health alert from the state and marking the first time Texans were confirmed to have the disease since 2023. The two Harris County cases involved unvaccinated adult residents.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. Symptoms could include a high fever, cough, runny nose and rash that starts on the face but then extends to the rest of the body. The health consequences of getting measles can be serious and sometimes result in death.
Last year, 40% of all the 245 nationwide who contracted measles were hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than half of those hospitalized with measles last year were under the age of five.
The disease’s prevalence has accelerated in recent years. According to the CDC, by March 2024 there were more reported measles cases that year than in all of 2023. The rise comes more than two decades after measles was considered eliminated by health agencies in 2000, meaning that there had been no continuous spreading of the disease for 12 months.
The new cases both nationwide and in Texas come as the state’s measles vaccination rate among kindergarteners has dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccination rate was 97% in the 2019-20 school year and declined to 94.3% for 2023-24. Around the same time, the number of vaccine exemption requests in Texas have doubled from 45,900 in 2018 to 93,000 in 2024.
State lawmakers have filed more than 20 bills so far this legislative session aimed at weakening vaccination mandates. One proposal would even amend the Texas Constitution to preserve a Texans’ right to refuse vaccination.
Texas health officials have consistently said that vaccination is the best way for people to steer clear of measles and other preventable diseases. The vaccination process includes two separate doses.
“Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they get infected with the measles virus,” the Texas health officials wrote in a Jan. 30 release. “However, each MMR dose lowers the risk of infection and the severity of illness if infected.”
Experts recommend that children get the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in two doses: the first between 12 months and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is about 93% effective at preventing measles infection, and two doses are about 97% effective.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/08/measles-west-texas-vaccine-outbreak/.
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
News from the South - Texas News Feed
International charities and NGOs call for end to controversial Israeli-backed aid group in Gaza
SUMMARY: Dozens of international charities, including Oxfam and Amnesty, called for the disbanding of the Israeli and U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) due to repeated violence and chaos at aid sites. Since May 26, over 500 Palestinians have been killed near aid distribution hubs guarded by armed contractors, which Palestinians must travel long distances to reach. At least seven were recently killed seeking aid amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes that have killed thousands in Gaza since October 2023. The war has claimed over 56,000 Palestinian lives, with half women and children. Netanyahu will visit Washington to discuss the conflict and trade, amid mounting humanitarian crises including suspended dialysis services in Gaza.
The post International charities and NGOs call for end to controversial Israeli-backed aid group in Gaza appeared first on www.kxan.com
News from the South - Texas News Feed
MAP: Which school districts increased teacher pay for the 2025-26 school year?
SUMMARY: For the 2025-26 school year, Central Texas school districts are setting starting teacher salaries amid budget planning. Of 58 districts, 19 have released salary data. Del Valle ISD offers the highest starting salary at $60,000, followed by Manor ISD at $57,669. Several others offer over $50,000, while a few remain below $50,000, with Mason ISD at $40,000. The state minimum salary increased by $300 to $33,960. Eleven districts raised starting pay, led by Llano ISD’s 8.5% increase. House Bill 2 allocates $4.2 billion for teacher raises, but retention funds apply only after three years, leaving starting salaries unchanged unless districts decide otherwise.
The post MAP: Which school districts increased teacher pay for the 2025-26 school year? appeared first on www.kxan.com
News from the South - Texas News Feed
The payment trick that’s costing used car buyers and sellers thousands
SUMMARY: As used car sales peak in July, scams targeting buyers and sellers are on the rise. John Mattery reports that counterfeit checks are a common trick, with scammers sending fake checks for more than the asking price and asking sellers to return part to a shipping company. Seller Matt Neff experienced this with his 1948 Packard. Buyers, like Dejan Wallace, can also be targeted on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where sellers may rush sales and propose suspicious payments. To avoid losing money, never cash checks and send funds back or wire money to strangers, and always insist on in-person meetings and test drives.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a used car this summer, consumer experts say now is the time to be extra cautious.
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