Measles Outbreak in Texas Rises to 48 Cases, State’s Worst in Nearly 30 Years
Largest Outbreak in Decades, Mostly Affecting Children and Teens
The ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas has doubled in size to 48 cases, with the majority being in children and teens, making it the state’s worst in nearly 30 years, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The cases are concentrated in a “close-knit, undervaccinated” Mennonite community, with 13 people hospitalized.
Unvaccinated or Unknown Vaccination Status
The infected individuals are either unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown. State health officials are working to increase screening and vaccination efforts, as well as educating school officials on identifying measles symptoms and encouraging families to vaccinate their children.
Root of the Outbreak
The community’s lack of regular healthcare and reliance on homeschooling or small private schools contributes to the spread of the virus. “The church isn’t the reason that they’re not vaccinated,” said Lara Anton, a Texas Department of State Health Services spokesperson. “It’s all personal choice, and you can do whatever you want. It’s just that the community doesn’t go and get regular healthcare.”
Regional Spread
The outbreak has spread from its epicenter in Gaines County to include single-digit cases in Lynn, Terry, and Yoakum counties. One case was also reported in Lea County, New Mexico, where residents were alerted to a measles case in an unvaccinated teenager.
Comparison to Historical Data
According to Texas Department of State Health Services data, there were 49 cases of measles in Texas in 1996, and 27 cases reported in 2013 after a person who traveled to Asia returned and interacted with a vaccine-hesitant community. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours, with up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus if exposed.
Vaccination Efforts
Vaccination against measles is required for most U.S. kindergarteners, and Texas law allows children to get an exemption from school vaccines for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. The percentage of kids with exemptions has risen over the last decade from 0.76% in 2014 to 2.32% last year, according to state data. Gaines County has one of the highest rates in Texas of school-aged children who opt out of at least one required vaccine, with nearly 14% of K-12 children in the 2023-24 school year.
Conclusion
The ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas highlights the importance of vaccination and responsible healthcare. As the number of cases continues to rise, it is crucial for families to prioritize vaccination and for healthcare officials to work together to contain the outbreak.
FAQs
* What is the current number of measles cases in Texas?
+ 48
* Where is the outbreak concentrated?
+ A “close-knit, undervaccinated” Mennonite community in West Texas
* What is the vaccination rate in Gaines County?
+ Nearly 14% of K-12 children in the 2023-24 school year
* What is the current vaccination rate in Texas?
+ 0.76% in 2014 to 2.32% last year
* What is the recommended vaccination schedule for measles?
+ A two-shot series for most U.S. kindergarteners
