Measles Outbreak in Texas and New Mexico Sickens Nearly 100 People
Outbreak Spreads Through South Plains Region of Texas
An outbreak of measles has been spreading through the South Plains region of Texas since late January, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The department confirmed 90 cases of measles, with at least 77 of them being children. Sixteen people have been hospitalized.
Vaccination Rates Lag Below Federal Targets
Measles vaccination rates in the region lag significantly below federal targets. In Gaines County, a farming area close to the New Mexico border, a majority of the cases have been concentrated. In only five of the 90 cases were patients vaccinated against measles. The rest were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.
New Mexico Reports Nine Cases
The New Mexico Department of Health reported nine cases of measles in Lea County, which shares a border with the outbreak region in Texas. Four of those infected were children.
Investigation and Response Efforts
The Texas Department of State Health Services is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak. Local health departments have expanded vaccination clinics and testing hubs to try to stem the cases. Free walk-in vaccinations are being offered in Seminole in Gaines County, as well as in Lea County, New Mexico.
Low Vaccination Rates in Gaines County
Children must receive the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to attend public schools in Texas, though exemptions can be granted for “reasons of conscience.” However, Gaines County had one of the highest exemption rates in the state last year, with more than 13 percent of K-12 students exempted from receiving the vaccine. The vaccination rate in the county for kindergarten students who received the M.M.R. vaccine last year was 82 percent, about 10 points lower than the state average for Texas public schools.
Global and National Trends
Outbreaks of measles, one of the most contagious diseases known to humans, have been emerging in every region of the world. That is also true for the United States, where the disease had once been declared eliminated. In 2024, there were 285 total cases in the United States across more than 30 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Risks and Consequences
Measles can severely sicken people or be fatal. About one in five unvaccinated people who become infected with measles ends up hospitalized, according to the CDC. National vaccination rates for measles had already been declining since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020, and sat at less than 93 percent last year.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of diseases. As the number of cases continues to rise, it is crucial that individuals take steps to protect themselves and their communities by getting vaccinated.
FAQs
* What is the current number of cases in the outbreak?
The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed 90 cases of measles.
* How many people have been hospitalized?
Sixteen people have been hospitalized.
* What is the vaccination rate in Gaines County?
The vaccination rate in Gaines County is 82 percent, about 10 points lower than the state average for Texas public schools.
* What is the current national vaccination rate for measles?
National vaccination rates for measles had already been declining since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020, and sat at less than 93 percent last year.
