Measles Outbreak in West Texas: Health Officials Warn Against "Measles Parties"
Measles Outbreak in West Texas: Health Officials Warn Against "Measles Parties"
A measles outbreak in West Texas has resulted in the death of at least one unvaccinated school-aged child, prompting a Texas health official to warn against "measles parties" and urge families to get vaccinated.
What is a Measles Party?
Measles parties echo chicken pox parties from decades ago, where people would deliberately expose themselves or others to someone with a confirmed case in an attempt to spread the virus in a controlled environment. This practice has largely been discontinued since the introduction of the chicken pox vaccine in 1995.
The Risks of Measles Parties
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world and spreads mostly among unvaccinated people. Symptoms include a cough, fever, red eyes, and the telltale skin rash. Since late January, 146 cases of measles have been identified in Texas, including 20 hospitalizations and one death.
Why Vaccination is Crucial
Dr. Ron Cook, chief health officer for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, urges families to avoid measles parties and instead get vaccinated. "We can’t predict who is going to do poorly with measles, being hospitalized, potentially get pneumonia or encephalitis, or potentially pass away from this," he said. "It’s a foolish thing to go have measles parties."
The Consequences of Not Vaccinating
Of the 146 cases in Texas, 141 were in people who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Dr. Carla Garcia Carreno, the medical director for Infection Prevention and Control at Children’s Medical Center Plano, emphasizes the importance of vaccination. "The most robust way that we have to prevent measles is by the vaccination," she said. "It’s a very effective vaccine and it’s a very safe vaccine."
The Outbreak and Its Spread
The outbreak began in a Mennonite community in Gaines County, near the New Mexico border, and has spread to neighboring counties and New Mexico. While it’s unclear if measles parties are happening in Texas, such gatherings have previously helped spread measles. In 2019, measles parties helped accelerate the spread of the virus in an orthodox Jewish community in New York City, according to research from Columbia University.
U.S. Health Secretary’s Response
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced that he will send 2,000 doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to Texas through its immunization program. However, Kennedy founded the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense, which has been criticized for promoting misinformation about vaccines.
What Can You Do?
Health officials urge families to take the following precautions:
- Make sure you and your children are vaccinated
- Avoid "measles parties"
- Get the latest public health updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are measles parties?
A: Measles parties are gatherings where people deliberately expose themselves or others to someone with a confirmed case of measles in an attempt to spread the virus in a controlled environment.
Q: How many cases of measles have been reported in Texas?
A: 146 cases of measles have been reported in Texas, including 20 hospitalizations and one death.
Q: Why is vaccination crucial in preventing measles?
A: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, as it provides immunity to the virus and helps protect individuals from serious complications.
Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
A: Measles symptoms include a cough, fever, red eyes, and a telltale skin rash.
Q: How can I get vaccinated?
A: Contact your healthcare provider or local health department to schedule a vaccination appointment.
