A measles outbreak that has been spreading across rural West Texas has claimed its first life, health officials confirmed Wednesday. The patient, who was hospitalized with the highly contagious virus, passed away overnight, marking the first fatality since the outbreak began in late January.
Melissa Whitfield, with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, confirmed the death but did not provide further details about the patient, including their age. Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, where many measles cases have been treated, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Outbreak Reaches 124 Cases, Spreads Beyond Texas
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the number of confirmed measles cases has surged to 124 across nine counties, with an additional nine cases reported in eastern New Mexico. The outbreak has also affected Houston, where at least two cases have been identified.
Health officials report that 18 individuals have been hospitalized due to complications from the virus. Measles, a respiratory infection, is known for its high transmission rate—up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will become infected, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While many children recover from measles without severe consequences, the virus can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, and, in rare cases, death.
Community at the Center of the Outbreak
The outbreak has primarily affected members of the Mennonite community in rural West Texas. The region, characterized by small towns and vast stretches of land, sees frequent travel between communities for work, church, and daily activities, contributing to the rapid spread of the virus.
Health officials continue to urge vaccination, emphasizing that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection. As the outbreak unfolds, authorities are monitoring the situation closely and encouraging those who are unvaccinated or at high risk to take precautions.
This remains a developing story, with health officials providing ongoing updates on the outbreak’s trajectory and containment efforts.
Keep up with the course of the measles outbreak with us on Que Onda Magazine.
