El Paso health update: Measles exposures posted; prevention funding and drug-access debate in focus
El Paso, TX – March 3, 2026 – City health officials confirmed measles cases and exposure sites, while new grants and policy debates shape care.
Measles update: 17 cases reported in the area, exposure sites listed
The City of El Paso Department of Public Health said it has confirmed four measles cases within the city and is aware of 13 additional cases reported at the East Montana federal facility on Fort Bliss (reported through federal authorities). City officials said they are coordinating with federal partners and have provided laboratory testing support when requested, along with vaccine supply for on-site prevention efforts.
In a public notice dated Feb. 26, the department listed potential public exposure locations visited Feb. 20–22. The list includes retail and medical settings such as the Apple Store at Cielo Vista Mall, Del Sol Medical Center, the Outlet Mall area, and a Target in the Bassett area, along with several restaurants. The department said public health staff have initiated contact tracing and are working with community partners to help prevent further spread.
Health officials also noted that while roughly 98% of El Paso County residents are vaccinated against measles, they remain concerned about unvaccinated or under-vaccinated pockets in the community.
Clinics and hotline
To expand access to vaccination, the city said it is offering walk-in immunization services on weekdays at four community clinics: Lower Valley (9341 Alameda Ave.), Henderson (721 S. Mesa St.), Northeast (9566 Railroad Dr.), and Westside (7380 Remcon Cir.). Appointments are also available by phone at (915) 212-0200. The city also activated a measles hotline at (915) 212-HELP (4357) and directed residents to 2-1-1 and EPHealth.com for additional information.
Prevention and mental health: regional grants announced
Separately, Paso del Norte Health Foundation announced $557,902.83 in grants to support work across the Borderplex. KVIA reported the awards are organized around health leadership, disease prevention and management, and healthy living, with examples that include funding for local capacity-building, disease prevention efforts, and youth vaping prevention education.
Access to high-cost specialty medications highlighted in Washington
Another El Paso-related headline focused on access to treatments for rare disease. KVIA reported that an El Paso parent traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend a U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing, where doctors and patient advocates urged lawmakers to press the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to expand access to medications for rare forms of muscular dystrophy.
Sources
https://www.elpasotexas.gov/assets/Press-Releases/2026.02.26-NEWS-RELEASE_Health-Officials-Advise-of-Potential-Measles-Exposures.pdf
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/02/26/measles-el-paso-camp-east-montana-ice/
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/austin/news/2026/02/27/el-paso-reports-17-measles-cases–most-at-ice-facility
https://kvia.com/news/2026/02/26/paso-del-norte-awards-funds-to-advance-regional-health/
https://kvia.com/news/top-stories/2026/02/26/el-paso-mother-urges-access-to-duchenne-treatment/
If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.
