TEXAS — The number of measles cases is growing in West Texas. The Texas Department of State Health Services reports at least 10 cases as of Friday.

The health department reported four cases earlier in January. The Houston Health Department confirmed two cases of measles associated with international travel in unvaccinated Harris County residents. Those were the first Texas measles cases since 2023.

On Jan. 29, the South Plains Public Health District notified the public of a measles case in a Gaines County child. DSHS reported eight of the cases are school-aged children and two are children under the age of 5. Health officials say seven of the patients have been hospitalized.

According to data from the state, Gaines County has one of the highest percentages of vaccine-exempt students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The 13.6% is only beaten by Bell and Crosby counties.

The South Plains Public Health District (SPPHD) says these cases are the first in Gaines County in over 20 years. In a Facebook post, Seminole Emergency Medical Services shared the SPPHD is offering measles screenings and shots this week.

Health officials warn more cases are likely in Gaines County with measles being highly contagious. The state health department is working with the South Plains Public Health District and the City of Lubbock Health Department to investigate the outbreak.