The ongoing measles outbreak in western Texas continues to escalate, with state health officials confirming 25 new cases in the past five days. As of Tuesday, the total number of reported infections has risen to 223, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Majority of Cases in Unvaccinated Individuals
Health officials report that nearly all cases involve individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status remains unknown. Among the infected, 80 individuals were confirmed as unvaccinated, while the status of 138 remains uncertain. Only five cases have been identified in individuals who had received a single dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. So far, 29 individuals have required hospitalization due to complications from the virus.
Measles Spreads Beyond Texas
The outbreak is now affecting neighboring states, with the Oklahoma State Department of Health reporting two probable cases linked to exposure from Texas and New Mexico. Health authorities in Oklahoma stress that these cases do not currently pose a public health threat but continue to monitor the situation closely.
Children and Teenagers Most Affected
The majority of infections in Texas have been recorded in children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 17, with 98 cases reported in this age group. Additionally, 76 cases have been confirmed in children aged four and under. Given measles’ highly contagious nature, officials warn that further infections are likely in the affected regions and surrounding communities.
Fatal Cases Highlight Severity of Outbreak
Tragically, the outbreak has resulted in two probable measles-related deaths in the United States. One confirmed fatality involved an unvaccinated school-aged child in Texas with no known underlying health conditions. Another probable death was reported in New Mexico following a positive measles diagnosis, though the official cause of death is still under investigation.
Gaines County Identified as Epicenter
Gaines County has emerged as the epicenter of the Texas outbreak, accounting for 156 confirmed cases. Notably, the county has seen a sharp increase in vaccine exemptions over the past decade. In 2013, approximately 7.5% of kindergartners had vaccine exemptions. By 2023, that figure had more than doubled to over 17.5%, one of the highest rates in the state.
National and International Travel Fueling Cases
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed hundreds of measles cases across 15 states this year, including Alaska, California, Florida, New Jersey, and Washington. Some of the recently reported cases have been linked to international travel, including the first-ever recorded cases in Maryland and Vermont. In Los Angeles, health officials reported a new case involving an individual who had recently traveled through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Urgency for Vaccination Grows
With measles cases rising nationwide, health officials are urging individuals—especially those in outbreak areas—to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose administered between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between ages 4 and 6. A single dose is 93% effective at preventing infection, while two doses increase protection to 97%.
In response to the outbreak, Texas health officials are advising parents to consider an early dose of the MMR vaccine for infants aged 6 to 11 months. Additionally, adults who have only received one dose are encouraged to get a second shot to bolster immunity.
CDC Joins Texas Officials in Containment Efforts
The CDC has deployed personnel to Texas to support local health officials in controlling the outbreak. In a recent update on X (formerly Twitter), the agency emphasized the importance of vaccination efforts and containment measures.
Despite measles being declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to widespread immunization programs, declining vaccination rates in recent years have led to a resurgence of the disease. Health officials stress that preventing further outbreaks hinges on increasing vaccination coverage and public awareness.
As the situation develops, state and federal agencies continue to monitor the outbreak and implement measures to curb its spread.
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