A sign reading “measles testing” is seen as an outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, has raised concerns over its spread to other parts of the state, in Seminole, Texas, on Feb. 25. Measles cases in Texas and New Mexico rose to 370 today, the states’ health departments said, an increase of 19 infections since their previous reports four days ago, as the United States deals with one of the largest measles outbreaks in the past decade.
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Measles cases in Texas and New Mexico rose to 370 today, the states’ health departments said, an increase of 19 infections since their previous reports four days ago, as the United States deals with one of the largest measles outbreaks in the past decade.
Cases in Gaines County, the center of the current measles outbreak in the U.S. that started in late January, rose to 226 from 211 cases, the Texas Department of State Health Services said.
The total from the two states has surpassed last year’s nationwide count of 285 infections, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Since March 21, New Mexico has reported one additional case, bringing its total to 43, while Texas reported 18 more cases, totaling 327 in the state.
Most of New Mexico’s cases were reported in Lea County, which is adjacent to Gaines County in Texas.
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In Texas, 325 cases were among people who were unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown, up from 307 reported previously. The latest New Mexico case is among the 31 infected individuals from the state who were not vaccinated.
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“It’s going to take time (to control this outbreak), unfortunately, because there are still people who are resistant to receiving a vaccine,” said Tammy Camp, a pediatrician in Texas.
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In a health advisory on March 7, the CDC said that the risk for widespread measles in the U.S. remained low.
Diego Hijano, infectious disease specialist at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, said he agrees with the CDC’s assessment as a lot of areas still have a high vaccination rate.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has for years sown doubts about the safety and efficacy of immunization, said last month he recognizes the serious impact of the current measles outbreak in Texas and that the government is providing resources, including vaccines.
After Lance St. Louis served as the starting long snapper for the Texas Longhorns for four seasons, special teams coordinator Jeff Banks landed an experienced replacement when New Mexico Lobos transfer Trey Dubuc pledged while on a visit to the Forty Acres.
The pledge from Dubuc ensures that Texas has experienced replacements for three specialists despite signing high school prospects at each position — with the SEC expanding to 105 scholarships in 2026, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian can afford to develop high school recruits at those positions behind experienced transfers like Dubuc.
The Fort Lauderdale product started his career at USF after playing on two state championship teams at Cardinal Gibbons. A 6’1, 209-pounder, Dubuc redshirted during his freshman season in 2023 before appearing in one game as the backup long snapper the following year.
After transferring to New Mexico, Dubuc served as the starting long snapper while making two tackles for the Lobos.
SALT LAKE CITY — A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Utah has passed away in his sleep unexpectedly Saturday in New Mexico, according to a news release from The Church.
Elder Caleb Gene Martin, 21, died from a medical cause that has not been determined, Church spokesman Sam Penrod said in a statement.
According to The Church, Martin had been serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission since May 2024. He was from Salem, Utah.
Elder Caleb Gene Martin, 21, died in his sleep on Jan. 3 from a medical cause that has yet to be determined. He was serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
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“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fellow missionaries. We pray they will find comfort and strength through their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ and feel the Savior’s love as they honor Elder Martin’s life and devoted missionary service,” the statement said.
