Texas Measles Outbreak Continues to Grow
Texas’ measles outbreak has grown to 223 cases, the state reported Tuesday morning.
The outbreak began in Gaines County, near the New Mexico border. The reported cases have not spread outside of West Texas and the Panhandle, according to Tuesday’s report.
The state’s case count is still rapidly growing, up from 198 reported on Friday.
Breaking News and Updates
Breaking News
A total of 29 people in Texas have been hospitalized, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. One unvaccinated child has died, in the U.S.‘s first reported measles death in a decade.
Connection to New Mexico Outbreak
The Texas count does not include measles cases from a New Mexico county that borders Gaines County. On Friday, New Mexico reported 30 measles cases and one death connected to the outbreak.
About Measles and Vaccination
Measles is a highly contagious virus, and it can spread rapidly among unvaccinated people. The disease has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, but outbreaks across the country have threatened that status.
Health experts and Texas officials have urged people to vaccinate themselves and their children. The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, and is recommended for most people.
Vaccination Status of Confirmed Cases
The vast majority of Texas’ confirmed measles cases have been among people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
State numbers show that, of the 223 confirmed cases, 80 were among unvaccinated people, 138 were among people whose vaccination status is unknown and five were among vaccinated people.
Getting Vaccinated
Local health agencies across the state offer the measles vaccine at clinics. People can also contact their doctor or their pharmacy to ask about vaccination.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in Texas continues to grow, with a total of 223 cases reported as of Tuesday morning. The majority of cases are among unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals. It is essential for people to get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease. Health experts and officials urge everyone to take the necessary precautions and get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is measles and how is it spread?
A: Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread rapidly among unvaccinated people. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Q: How can I protect myself and my family from measles?
A: The best way to protect yourself and your family is by getting vaccinated with the two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.
Q: Where can I get vaccinated?
A: Local health agencies across the state offer the measles vaccine at clinics. You can also contact your doctor or pharmacy to ask about vaccination.
Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
A: Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that spreads across the body.
