Measles Outbreak in Rural West Texas Grows to 90 Cases, 16 Hospitalized
The measles outbreak in rural West Texas has escalated, with 90 confirmed cases across seven counties, according to the latest update from the state health department on Friday. Sixteen individuals have been hospitalized as the highly contagious disease continues to spread.
Meanwhile, in neighboring eastern New Mexico, health officials have reported nine measles cases. However, state public health authorities confirmed on Thursday that there is no known connection between the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
Spread of the Virus
The majority of cases in West Texas are concentrated in Gaines County, which has reported 57 infections, and Terry County, where 20 cases have been confirmed. Dawson County, east of Gaines, has recorded six new cases, while Yoakum County has four. Lubbock, Lynn, and Ector counties each have a single reported case.
According to state health data, the outbreak has predominantly affected children. Of the reported cases, 26 involve children under the age of four, while 51 cases are in individuals aged 5-17. Ten adult cases have been recorded, and three cases remain under age verification. The Ector County Health Department confirmed that its case involves a child too young to receive vaccination.
Health officials have described this outbreak as Texas' largest in nearly three decades. Lara Anton, spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services, stated that the majority of cases are linked to a "close-knit, undervaccinated" Mennonite community, particularly among families who either homeschool their children or send them to small private religious schools.
In New Mexico, all nine reported cases have been in Lea County, which borders Gaines County, Texas. State health officials have identified several locations where individuals may have been exposed, including a grocery store, an elementary school, a church, Nor-Lea Hospital, and a Walgreens in Hobbs, New Mexico.
Understanding Measles
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus capable of lingering in the air for up to two hours. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with the virus will become infected.
While most children recover from measles, the infection can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death. Health officials continue to urge vaccination as the most effective protection against the disease.
As the outbreak unfolds, authorities in both Texas and New Mexico are working to contain the spread, emphasizing the importance of immunization and timely medical intervention.
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