The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported the end of this year’s measles outbreak centered in West Texas. It has been more than 42 days since a new case was reported in any of the counties that previously showed evidence of ongoing transmission. DSHS will continue to monitor for new cases.

As of Aug. 18, 762 cases of measles have been confirmed in the outbreak since late January. More than two-thirds of the cases were in children. Ninety-nine people were hospitalized during the outbreak, and two fatalities occurred in school-aged children.

“I want to highlight the tireless work of the public health professionals across the state who contributed to the containment of one of the most contagious viruses,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH. “We arrived at this point through a comprehensive outbreak response that included testing, vaccination, disease monitoring and educating the public about measles through awareness campaigns. I also want to recognize the many healthcare professionals who identified and treated cases of a virus that most providers had never seen in person before this outbreak.”

Public health professionals consider a measles outbreak over after 42 days with no new cases because that is double the disease’s maximum incubation period, the longest time it can take between when a person is exposed to the virus and when they get sick.

The end of this outbreak does not mean the threat of measles is over. Since outbreaks of measles are ongoing in North America and globally, it is likely additional cases of measles will occur this year in Texas, health officials said.

As of Aug. 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,356 measles cases in 2025 in 40 states. This year, 32 outbreaks have been reported, and 87% of confirmed cases are outbreak-associated.

Valley fever is on the rise in California with over 5,500 provisional cases reported through the first six months of 2025. Last year, California reported nearly 12,500 cases—the highest year on state record. Valley fever is caused by a fungus that grows in some areas of California and can cause symptoms that look like COVID-19 or flu. Valley fever can also cause serious lung infections like pneumonia.

Rates of Valley fever continue to be highest in the southern San Joaquin Valley region of California, but cases have been increasing in other areas such as the northern Central Valley and the Central Coast.

Research suggests the rise and spread of Valley fever may be linked to changes in climate. Wet winters after drought help the fungus grow, and dry, windy weather in the following summer and fall can help the fungus get into the air. Increases in dirt-disturbing activities, like construction in high-risk areas, may also contribute to an increase in cases.

People who live, work, go to school, or travel in areas where Valley fever is common are at risk of becoming sick. Although most people with Valley fever get better on their own and don’t need treatment, for some people it can become severe, chronic, or even fatal without care.

People and pets can get Valley fever by breathing in dust from outdoor air that contains the fungus. The disease is not contagious and cannot spread from one person or animal to another. Some practical tips to reduce your chances of getting Valley fever include:

• When it is windy outside and the air is dusty, stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.
• Before digging, wet down soil and dirt to prevent stirring up dust into the air.
• Consider wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator (mask) if you must be in dusty air in these areas.