Measles Outbreak in Texas

Current Situation

The Texas public health department is now reporting a total of 505 measles cases in the outbreak that began in West Texas more than two months ago.

The case count has jumped in recent weeks. On March 25, the state reported a total of 327 cases. In the two weeks since then, the count has grown by 178 additional cases.

Tuesday’s update from the Texas Department of State Health Services showed two additional counties impacted. Borden County in West Texas and Randall County in the Panhandle have each reported one case. There are now 21 counties in the state that have reported measles cases in connection with the original outbreak.

Department officials reported Tuesday that 10 of the impacted counties have “ongoing measles transmission.” Those counties are Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry and Yoakum.

Affected Counties and Transmission

Lamar County, in northeast Texas, is the closest to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, of the counties with active transmission. That county has so far reported 11 cases.

Among the 505 measles cases, the Texas public health department is reporting 57 hospitalizations and two deaths. Both deaths were unvaccinated, school-aged children without underlying conditions. They both died in Lubbock hospitals. One child died at the end of February, and the other died earlier this month.

The second Texas death prompted a visit to West Texas from the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Regional Impact

Texas’ case count does not include additional outbreak cases reported in New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Including those cases — 56 in New Mexico and 10 in Oklahoma, as of Tuesday — there have been 571 cases reported in the outbreak. There was also an additional measles death reported in New Mexico in early March, for a total of three deaths connected to this measles outbreak.

Related: Live: Track measles cases during Texas outbreak with these graphics

Duration and Elimination Status

It’s unclear how much longer the outbreak will last, health experts have said, but it’s likely to be months longer. If the outbreak lasts longer than 12 months, it would threaten the country’s measles elimination status.

Public health experts say that widespread vaccination would end the outbreak sooner.

The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which is recommended beginning at 12 months of age, is 97% effective at preventing measles infection. Unvaccinated people are highly likely to catch measles if they come into contact with the virus, because it is so contagious.

Vaccination and Prevention

Most unvaccinated people who contract measles will survive. But about 20 percent will be hospitalized, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Experts recommend the vaccine for nearly everyone, with the exception of the pregnant or immunocompromised.

Related: Texas measles outbreak could last 12 months, experts say, risking U.S. elimination status

Conclusion

The measles outbreak in Texas continues to grow, with a total of 505 cases reported in the state. The outbreak has resulted in two deaths and 57 hospitalizations, and has spread to 21 counties. While the duration of the outbreak is uncertain, public health experts agree that widespread vaccination is the key to ending it sooner. It is essential for individuals to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities from the spread of measles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current number of measles cases in Texas?

A: The Texas public health department is reporting a total of 505 measles cases in the outbreak that began in West Texas more than two months ago.

Q: How many counties are affected by the outbreak?

A: There are 21 counties in the state that have reported measles cases in connection with the original outbreak.

Q: What is the recommended vaccine for measles prevention?

A: The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which is recommended beginning at 12 months of age, is 97% effective at preventing measles infection.

Q: Who should get vaccinated?

A: Experts recommend the vaccine for nearly everyone, with the exception of the pregnant or immunocompromised.

Q: How long will the outbreak last?

A: It’s unclear how much longer the outbreak will last, but it’s likely to be months longer. If the outbreak lasts longer than 12 months, it would threaten the country’s measles elimination status.