Texas health officials confirmed the first measles-related death in the state’s ongoing outbreak, marking the first such fatality in the U.S. since 2015. The victim, an unvaccinated school-age child from Gaines County, died while hospitalized in Lubbock. Officials have reported 124 measles cases statewide, with 18 hospitalizations. The outbreak, which began in an under-vaccinated Mennonite community, has spread to multiple Texas counties and across state lines into New Mexico.
Measles Spreading Beyond Rural Communities
The outbreak started in rural West Texas but has since expanded beyond the Mennonite population. Infections have been reported in San Antonio, with potential exposures at tourist attractions, universities, and a Buc-ee’s gas station. Health officials confirmed that a contagious individual from Gaines County traveled to these locations, increasing the risk of further spread. Neighboring New Mexico has also reported nine cases, all among unvaccinated individuals.
Low Vaccination Rates Linked to Outbreak
Health officials emphasize that most cases involve individuals who were either unvaccinated or had no known vaccination status. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, providing 97% protection with two doses. However, declining vaccination rates have led to a resurgence of the disease, which was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
Severe Complications and High Mortality Rate Raise Concerns
Measles is highly contagious, spreading through airborne droplets and lingering in spaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. The disease can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that about one in five unvaccinated individuals who contract measles require hospitalization. Given the current outbreak’s fatality rate, experts worry that the actual number of cases may be underreported.
Public Health Experts Urge Vaccination
Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, expressed concern over the high mortality rate in this outbreak. He suggested the reported case numbers might be underestimated. Public health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination in preventing further deaths and curbing the outbreak’s spread.
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A child has died in the Texas measles outbreak – the first US measles death since 2015
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash
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