EL PASO, Texas — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says there are currently no active measles cases at a migrant detention facility in El Paso, easing concerns after an outbreak prompted quarantines just weeks ago.
Last month, 14 cases of measles were reported at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Camp East Montana facility at Fort Bliss—an Army base in El Paso—where migrants were isolated as a precaution. In a new statement, DHS confirmed those cases have been resolved and no active infections remain inside the facility.
Still, local health leaders warn that the risk has not disappeared.
A disease once considered largely under control is making a troubling comeback across the U.S.-Mexico border region. Measles, a highly contagious viral illness, spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Doctors say early symptoms often resemble a cold: fever, cough and runny nose, before the telltale red rash appears. But health experts stress that the illness can be far more dangerous than many realize.
“Measles is not just another childhood disease,” said Dr. Hector Ocaranza, El Paso City-County Health Authority. “It can carry complications that range from mild to very severe and, on some occasions, can be fatal.”
So far this year, six measles cases have been confirmed in the El Paso community. According to Ocaranza, many of those infected are adults between the ages of 30 and 50, a group that may be unsure of their vaccination history.
“The people that we are seeing now are between 30 and 50 years of age,” he said. “Those adults might not know what their immunization status is, and that might be the reason why they were susceptible to this disease.”
Concerns intensified last month when cases were identified inside the Camp East Montana detention facility. Migrants who tested positive were quarantined to prevent further spread.
In its latest update, DHS says the outbreak has been contained. The agency also emphasized that individuals in custody have access to comprehensive medical care, including vaccines, routine medical services and 24-hour emergency treatment.
The situation in El Paso follows a major measles outbreak across Texas in 2025. State health officials reported 762 confirmed cases and two deaths, primarily in West Texas. The outbreak, declared over in August 2025, was one of the largest the state has seen in decades.
“Unfortunately, with the past outbreak that we had, there were some children who passed away because of the measles,” Ocaranza said.
Health officials continue to stress that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.
“The good news is that this disease can be prevented very easily by just getting the vaccination,” Ocaranza said. “We are making the vaccine available to those who don’t know what their immunization status is. We have four clinics situated across the community.”
Despite the absence of active cases at the detention center, doctors say the recent infections serve as a reminder that measles remains a serious public health threat, and one that requires continued vigilance.