Trending Now - Measles Cases From Texas Detention Center Spread to Community
WHO:
President Trump’s administration is mentioned in relation to immigration policies.
Brandon Rohrig, El Paso city’s health deputy director.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso.
Hudspeth County Judge Joanna MacKenzie.
Lara Anton, spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Phil Huang, vice chair of the state’s public health policy committee and Dallas County’s public health director.
Scott Sutterfield, spokesperson for LaSalle Corrections.
Eric Musungayi, El Paso city public health official.
Flor M. Muñoz, spokesperson for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
WHAT:
At least four El Paso residents were infected with measles.
147 measles cases reported in Texas as of March 18th, 2026.
108 cases in the West Texas Detention Facility (WTDF), 15 cases in Camp East Montana, and 2 cases in the South Texas Family Residential Center.
570 doses of measles vaccine were provided to the Dilley family facility in early February 2026.
El Paso officials anticipated receiving 400 “outbreak doses” from DSHS in February 2026.
98% of kindergartners in El Paso County were fully vaccinated against measles in the 2024-25 school year.
94% of kindergartners in Hudspeth County were fully vaccinated against measles in the 2024-25 school year.
WHERE:
El Paso, Texas.
Camp East Montana, located just outside El Paso.
West Texas Detention Facility (WTDF) in Hudspeth County, Texas.
Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso.
WHEN:
Measles cases confirmed in El Paso on February 26th, 2026.
Detainee transferred to Del Sol Medical Center on February 7th, 2026.
Emails from Brandon Rohrig dated March 2nd, 2026.
Emails from Hector Ocaranza dated February 22nd, 2026.
DSHS reported measles cases as of March 18th, 2026.
First measles cases in federal facilities publicly announced on January 31st, 2026.
WHY:
Lack of information from federal and facility authorities regarding vaccination status and contact tracing contributed to public health risks.
The increase in measles cases is linked to worsening vaccine rates in Texas.
HOW:
El Paso city officials attempted to communicate with federal and facility authorities to gather information about infections and vaccination status.
DSHS provided vaccines to facilities and coordinated with local health officials to manage the outbreak.
(UPDATED March 26, 2026 23:12 UTC)
At least four residents in El Paso have been infected with measles, contributing to a total of 147 reported cases in Texas as of March 18, with significant outbreaks occurring in detention facilities. Local officials, including El Paso's health deputy director and U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar, have been working with the Texas Department of State Health Services to manage the situation, which has been complicated by a lack of information regarding vaccination status and contact tracing. Despite a high vaccination rate among kindergartners in the area, the increase in measles cases highlights concerns about declining vaccine coverage in Texas.