Fears of an increasing measles outbreak among children are rising in Texas, as most of the population is reportedly unvaccinated.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued guidance to schools as the measles outbreak in Gaines County rises to 15 cases, mostly in children.

An outbreak of measles in West Texas has been reported by the Texas Dept. of State Health Services. 10 cases have been identified and seven of those have been hospitalized. Eight of the cases are among school-aged children.

On January 30, officials reported two measles cases in unvaccinated, school-age children in Gaines County, which sits at the border of New Mexico and is around 90 miles southwest of Lubbock, Texas. Both children were hospitalized in Lubbock and had been discharged.

Public health practitioners warn such outbreaks will become more common because of scores of laws around the U.S. that ultimately lower vaccine rates.

Texas sees first measles cases since 2023, with confirmed cases in Harris and Lubbock counties, highlighting the importance of vaccination.

A small county in West Texas has 15 measles cases, mostly in school-aged children. Gaines County, which borders New Mexico, has one of the highest rates of vaccine exemptions in the state.

As another community in Texas confirms positive measles cases, here's what to know about symptoms of the highly contagious virus that impacts children.