Texas is currently facing a significant measles outbreak, with nearly 200 reported cases as of last Friday. This comes just after a man in New Mexico, also dealing with an outbreak, tested positive for measles before passing away. The cause of his death is still being investigated.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 198 people in Texas have contracted the virus, with 23 needing hospitalization. Of all the cases, only five have involved vaccinated individuals. The majority—80 patients—were unvaccinated, and 113 had unknown vaccination status.
In Lea County, New Mexico, all 30 confirmed measles cases have been linked to unvaccinated individuals. Lea County is close to Gaines County in Texas, where most of the cases have been detected, highlighting the outbreak’s regional nature.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, initially described the outbreak as “not unusual” but later acknowledged its serious impact, calling for a renewed commitment to public health. He urges people to consider vaccination while stating that the choice to vaccinate remains a personal decision.
Texas has seen about 137 measles cases in Gaines County alone, with others spread across Terry, Dawson, Yoakum, and several more counties. Most of the illnesses are affecting children and teens: 89 cases in those aged 5 to 17, 64 in children under 4, and 34 in adults over 18.
Measles is not only present in Texas. New Mexico has reported 30 cases, while a few isolated cases have appeared in states like California and New Jersey.
Common symptoms of measles include fever, a rash, cough, fatigue, a runny nose, and red eyes. These signs typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure. Due to its contagious nature, measles can be spread easily through coughing, sneezing, and contact with infected surfaces.
Fortunately, there is an effective measles vaccine, the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. It is safe and provides about 97% protection against measles with two doses. The first dose is generally given to children between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose between 4 and 6 years. Adults unsure of their vaccination status can still receive the vaccine without issues. Experts recommend that adults vaccinated before 1968 consider getting revaccinated, as earlier vaccines may not be as effective.
The current outbreak in Texas began in late January, escalating quickly and marking the largest measles outbreak in the state in 30 years. In recent health reports, over 5% of Texas kindergarteners were not vaccinated against measles, raising concerns among health officials.
Given the outbreak’s scale, health experts warn that more cases will likely follow in the affected areas and surrounding communities. For comprehensive protection, getting vaccinated is crucial, particularly as measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, with new cases primarily resulting from international travel.
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