AUSTIN, Texas – State health officials on Monday officially declared an end to the severe measles outbreak that has gripped Texas for nearly seven months, infecting 762 people and resulting in the deaths of two children. The announcement marks the conclusion of a significant public health crisis that strained medical resources and highlighted the ongoing threat of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed the outbreak's end after the state passed a critical milestone: 42 consecutive days without a newly reported case. This period represents two full incubation cycles for the highly contagious virus, a standard benchmark used by epidemiologists to confirm that community transmission has ceased. The last known case linked to the outbreak was identified in early July.

Since the first cases were detected in late January, the outbreak spread across several counties, leading to nearly 100 hospitalizations. The two fatalities were both children under the age of five, a tragic reminder of the serious complications associated with the disease, including pneumonia and encephalitis.

A Protracted Public Health Battle

Health authorities have described the containment effort as one of the most challenging in recent state history. The response involved extensive contact tracing, public awareness campaigns, and the mobilization of vaccination clinics to curb the spread of the virus.

"This was a long and difficult fight against a very formidable virus," said a DSHS spokesperson in a statement released Monday. "The conclusion of this outbreak is a testament to the tireless work of our public health professionals, healthcare providers, and community partners. However, it also serves as a stark warning about the importance of routine childhood immunizations."

Measles is an airborne virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area. It is so contagious that up to 90% of non-immune people close to an infected person will also become infected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for children, which is about 97% effective at preventing the disease.

Vaccination Rates in the Spotlight

While officials did not single out a specific cause for the outbreak's scale, public health experts have consistently pointed to pockets of under-vaccination as a key vulnerability. Declining immunization rates in certain communities can weaken herd immunity, the collective protection that helps shield those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants and the immunocompromised.

Throughout the crisis, health officials repeatedly urged Texans to check their immunization status and ensure their children were up-to-date on the MMR vaccine. The outbreak prompted a noticeable, though localized, increase in vaccination appointments across the state, according to preliminary data.

As the state transitions from emergency response to long-term prevention, the focus remains on closing immunization gaps. "We cannot afford to become complacent," the DSHS statement concluded. "Vaccination remains our most powerful tool to prevent a resurgence of measles and protect the health of all Texans." The state will continue to monitor for any new cases and advocates for sustained high vaccination coverage to prevent future outbreaks.