Texas Measles Outbreak
Texas public health officials on Tuesday reported an additional 20 measles cases in the ongoing outbreak, for a total of 561 measles cases reported in the past two and a half months.
Four percent of the total Texas cases — or less than 25 cases — are “actively infectious,” according to the latest update from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The state has designated 10 counties as having active spread of the illness. Those counties are Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry and Yoakum.
Outbreak Details
The measles outbreak began in Gaines County in late January. It has now spread across 23 counties in Texas, plus the states of New Mexico and Oklahoma.
A total of 58 people in Texas have been hospitalized, according to official data. Two children in the state have died, both of them school-aged and unvaccinated.
As of Friday, New Mexico had reported 58 measles cases and Oklahoma had reported 12 measles cases.
Cases Across the U.S.
There have been other, unrelated measles cases reported in the U.S. this year. The vast majority of the total cases, though, are connected to the outbreak that began in Gaines County.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 712 confirmed measles cases across the country as of April 10.
On April 11, the three states involved in the West Texas outbreak reported a total of 611 cases. It’s not clear if all of those had been reported to the CDC as of its April 10 update.
Measles and Vaccination
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads mostly among unvaccinated people. The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 97% effective at preventing illness.
Before a vaccine became available in the 1960s, nearly everyone in the U.S. contracted the virus by their teenage years.
In the decade before the vaccine became available in the U.S., millions of people were infected with measles each year, an estimated 48,000 people were hospitalized each year and an estimated 400 to 500 people died each year, according to the CDC.
Elimination Status
Due to widespread vaccination, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
Since then, there have continued to be outbreaks in communities with low vaccination rates. Public health experts have said that, if an outbreak lasts for longer than a year, the U.S. would lose its elimination status.
The current outbreak that began in West Texas could be a threat to that elimination status.
Prevention and Recommendations
The best defense against measles is the vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, beginning at about 12 months of age. The vaccine is not recommended for people who are pregnant or immunocompromised.
Related Information
Texas measles outbreak could last 12 months, experts say, risking U.S. elimination status.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in Texas and surrounding states is a significant concern, with a large number of cases reported in a short amount of time. The outbreak highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles and other infectious diseases. By understanding the risks and taking steps to prevent the spread of measles, individuals can protect themselves and their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is measles?
A: Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads mostly among unvaccinated people. It can cause fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash, and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
Q: How is measles spread?
A: Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Q: What is the best way to prevent measles?
A: The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 97% effective at preventing illness.
Q: Who is at risk for measles?
A: Anyone who is not vaccinated against measles is at risk for contracting the disease. This includes children, adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
A: The symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. In severe cases, measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.
