Measles Outbreak in West Texas: What You Need to Know
Measles Cases Rise in West Texas
Texas officials have identified two measles cases in West Texas, both in unvaccinated school-age children. The children, who reside in Gaines County, were hospitalized in Lubbock and have since been discharged.
Measles: A Serious Health Threat
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be severe and life-threatening. Federal health officials recommend that children are vaccinated against measles as babies, through the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination. This vaccine comes in a two-dose regimen, with the first dose given shortly after a baby’s first birthday, and the second around kindergarten. Individual vaccination protects children and adults from contracting the illness.
Community Protection
However, in order for entire communities to be protected against measles, the vast majority of individuals must be vaccinated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wrote in 2022 that 95% or more of a population has to be vaccinated in order to "maintain measles elimination."
History of Measles in Texas
Before a measles vaccine became available, Texas officials identified tens of thousands of measles cases in the state each year. The peak was 1958, according to a state website, when there were more than 85,000 cases identified in Texas. There have been other outbreaks, though. In 2013, a total of 27 people in Texas caught the virus. And in 2019, the state saw 23 confirmed cases.
Current Concerns
Yet health officials in Texas and across the country are more concerned now, because uptake of childhood vaccines dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, which leaves communities more vulnerable to outbreaks. For example, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported in late 2022 that about 1 in every 3 elementary schools in Tarrant County is at risk of a measles outbreak because of a low vaccination rate.
What Can Be Done
The CDC has urged public health officials to take steps to boost those vaccination rates. Texas officials similarly urged residents to vaccinate their children in order to protect against the virus. "The situation is grave: measles is one of the most contagious human viruses but is almost entirely preventable through vaccination," the CDC wrote in its 2022 release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is measles?
A: Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be severe and life-threatening.
Q: How is measles spread?
A: Measles is spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
Q: How can I protect myself and my family from measles?
A: Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles. The MMR vaccine is recommended for all children, with the first dose given shortly after birth and the second dose around kindergarten.
Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
A: Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, and a rash that typically appears 10-14 days after exposure to the virus.
Q: How can I get vaccinated against measles?
A: Consult with your healthcare provider or visit the CDC’s website for more information on how to get vaccinated against measles.
