A measles outbreak in rural West Texas has led to 90 confirmed cases across seven counties, with 16 people currently hospitalized. Meanwhile, nine cases have been reported in eastern New Mexico, although health officials say there’s no known link between the two outbreaks.
Measles is extremely contagious. Knowing how to protect yourself is essential as we look at these recent cases in Texas and New Mexico.
Where is Measles Spreading?
The majority of cases in Texas have been reported in Gaines County, with 57 infections. Nearby Terry County has 20 cases, and Dawson County has recently confirmed six. Yoakum County has four cases, while Lubbock, Lynn, and Ector Counties each report one case.
Most infections involve children, particularly those under 18 years. Specifically, there are 26 cases in kids under four and 51 in those aged 5-17. Ten adults have tested positive, and three cases are still pending age verification. Notably, a case in Ector County involved a child too young to be vaccinated.
This outbreak is Texas’ largest in nearly 30 years. Officials have noted that the cases are prevalent in a tight-knit Mennonite community, particularly among families involved in small private schools or homeschooling.
In New Mexico, all nine cases are in Lea County, which shares a border with Gaines County. Potential exposure sites include a grocery store, an elementary school, a church, Nor-Lea Hospital, and a Walgreens in Hobbs.
What is Measles?
Measles is a serious respiratory virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours. If exposed, about 90% of unvaccinated individuals will contract the virus. While most children recover from measles, it can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, and even death.
Is the Vaccination Safe?
Yes, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is both safe and effective at preventing measles. The first dose is recommended between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose given between 4 and 6 years. This vaccination is required for children to enter kindergarten in public schools.
Before the MMR vaccine was introduced in 1963, the United States saw millions of measles cases annually. Thanks to widespread vaccination, that number has dropped to fewer than 200 cases during a typical year. Importantly, there is no connection between the vaccine and autism, despite misleading information in the past.
Why Vaccination Rates Matter
High vaccination rates help stop the spread of diseases like measles. Communities need at least 95% vaccination coverage to achieve herd immunity. However, vaccination rates have fallen since the pandemic, with more parents opting out of vaccinations for their children.
There has been a rise in measles cases across the U.S. recently, including a significant outbreak in Chicago. In Gaines County, about 14% of school-aged children have opted out of at least one required vaccine, and this rate is likely higher since it doesn’t account for homeschooled children.
What Are Health Officials Doing?
Health departments in Texas are hosting vaccination clinics and working with schools to inform the public about vaccination. In New Mexico, several vaccination clinics are scheduled for next week in Hobbs.
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Disease outbreaks, Texas, Measles, New Mexico, General news, TX State Wire, NM State Wire, U.S. news, Health, Lara Anton, U.S. News
