Latest news with #TexasDSHS
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles Cases in Texas Rise to 400 as U.S. Total Reaches Nearly 500 amid Worsening Outbreak, Officials Say
The number of measles cases in Texas has risen to 400 amid the outbreak, while there have been 44 reported cases in New Mexico, authorities said in updates on Friday, March 28 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a Thursday, March 27 post that there were a total of 483 confirmed cases now across 20 jurisdictions in the U.S. The number of measles cases identified in 2025 is already higher than the amount reported in the whole of 2024, the CDC stated The number of people to contract measles in Texas and New Mexico continues to rise amid the ongoing outbreak in cases, authorities have said. On Friday, March 28, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed that 400 cases had now been "identified since late January" in the South Plains and Panhandle regions of the state, per a news update, with 41 of the patients being hospitalized. The state agency said that out of the cases reported, 398 were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status wasn't known, while two had been vaccinated with two-plus doses. The majority of cases have affected the 5-17 year old age group with 164 listed, while there have been 131 confirmed cases in the 0-4 year old age group, 80 people 18 years old and over have caught measles and 25 people are pending, per the Texas DSHS update. Two hundred and seventy cases have been reported in Gaines County alone, which makes up 67.5% of the cases identified in the state, the agency claimed. "There has been one fatality in a school-aged child who lived in the outbreak area. The child was not vaccinated and had no known underlying conditions," the Texas DSHS wrote. "Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities. DSHS is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak," the release continued. Neighboring state New Mexico reported 44 cases on Friday, March 28, per the New Mexico Department of Health. The agency claimed four of those affected had been vaccinated with at least one dose, while 32 were not vaccinated and eight people's vaccination status was unknown. The New Mexico Department of Health stated 42 cases had been reported in Lea County, with there being one death and two hospitalizations, per the update. Two cases were reported in Eddy. Overall, there have been eight cases in the 0-4 years old age bracket, 13 in the 5-17 years bracket and 23 in the 18+ age group. "The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles," the Texas DSHS said on its website. The state agency told PEOPLE in an email on Monday, March 31 that "the case count reported last week was higher due to a combination of things, which may also include an increase in cases," adding that "the epidemiology team focused on completing open investigations last week so that is a big part of the reason for a lot of new cases being added to the case count." "It's too soon to say how much of a factor spring break was in the increase of newly added cases. The first day of the first spring break week in Texas was March 10 so we are at the end first incubation period today," the spokesperson added. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a Thursday, March 27 update that there were a total of 483 confirmed measles cases now across 20 jurisdictions in the U.S.: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington. In the past three months, there have already been more measles cases than the number reported for the whole of 2024, with the CDC claiming there was a total of 285 cases last year across 33 jurisdictions. Pediatrician and infectious disease specialist Dr. Adam Ratner, author of Booster Shots: The Urgent Lessons of Measles and the Uncertain Future of Children's Health, told PEOPLE last month that the outbreak is part of a "disturbing" trend, one that's tied to a decline in vaccination rates since the pandemic. "This is emblematic of trends in childhood vaccination, but also in how people think about public health, that are disturbing and are worrisome even for people who aren't directly involved in this outbreak," said Ratner, whose new book addresses the history of the disease and of the measles vaccine, which was introduced in the U.S. in 1963. Prior to the vaccine, between 3 million and 4 million people were infected with measles in the U.S. each year, according to the CDC, and 400 to 500 people died annually. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. As previously reported by PEOPLE, the unvaccinated school-aged child in Texas who died last month marked the first death from measles in the U.S. since 2015. The CDC didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information on the measles outbreak. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas measles outbreak 2025: More than 300 cases detected in state
The Brief 309 cases of measles have been detected in a West Texas outbreak since late January. 40 of those patients have been hospitalized. 211 cases have been detected in Gaines County. More than 300 measles cases have been detected in Texas since late January, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. 30 new cases connected to a West Texas outbreak were reported in Friday's update from Texas DSHS. Cases have been found in three new West Texas counties in recent days. The Latest The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed 309 cases of measles since late January. 40 of those patients have been hospitalized. Gaines County accounted for 20 of the 30 new cases reported Friday. The West Texas county has been the center of the outbreak. Case numbers have consistently climbed since the state first started reporting cases in early February. Only two of the 309 cases are among people who were vaccinated. DSHS says the three cases that were previously classified as vaccinated, have been changed to unvaccinated. In two of those cases, the patients had only received their vaccination one or two days before their symptoms started and after they had been exposed to the virus. It takes about 14 days after a person is vaccinated to develop immunity. READ MORE: Who are the Mennonites? Texas measles outbreak impacts community In Texas, one school-aged child died from complications with the measles and 36 patients have been hospitalized. That's an increase of two hospitalizations since Friday. READ MORE: Measles vaccination rates in Texas: Find your school district. By the numbers Here are the total cases by county: Gaines County: 211 Lubbock County: 8 Lynn County: 2 Terry County: 37 Yoakum County: 12 Dawson County: 13 Ector County: 2 Dallam County: 6 Martin County: 3 Cochran County : 7 Lamar County: 5 Garza County: 1 Hale County: 1 Hockley County: 1 Here are the total cases by age: 0-4 years: 102 cases 5-17 years: 130 cases 18+: 58 cases Unknown: 19 cases Here is the vaccination status of the patients: Not Vaccinated/unknown status: 277 Vaccinated with two or more doses: 2 On Friday, health officials said three cases they classified as vaccinated were not vaccinated cases. In those instances, two cases had gotten vaccine doses one or two days before symptoms started, and after exposure. It takes around 14 days to develop immunity after vaccination. The third case that had previously been labeled as a vaccination case was in Lubbock County where a person had a reaction to the vaccine. The case has been removed from the count. Health officials said that while the vaccine can cause a reaction with a rash and fever that mimics measles, it is not an infection and cannot spread to others. What's next The Texas Department of State Health Services releases case updates on Tuesdays and Fridays. There have been other cases reported in Texas, but officials say they were not connected to the outbreak in West Texas. Most of the cases were connected to international travel. Harris County: 3 Lamar County: 2 Midland County: 1 Rockwall County: 1 Travis County: 1 Why you should care Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Illness onset (high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes) begins a week or two after someone is exposed. A few days later, the telltale rash breaks out as flat, red spots on the face and then spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body. A person is contagious about four days before the rash appears to four days after. People with measles should stay home from work or school during that period. Common symptoms of measles include: High fever (as high as 105°F) Cough Runny nose Red and watery eyes Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The "measles rash" typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body. The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. Some vaccinated people can occasionally develop measles; however, they generally experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the disease to other people. If you think you have measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, isolate yourself from others and call your healthcare provider before arriving to be tested so they can prepare for your arrival without exposing other people to the virus. Measles is extremely contagious and can cause life-threatening illness to anyone who is not protected against the virus. Review your and your child's vaccination history to see if you are up-to-date on your measles vaccines. Additionally, discuss with your provider your vaccination history and any questions about these vaccines. People with confirmed or suspected measles should stay home from school, work, and other group settings until after the fourth day of rash onset. During an outbreak, people without documented immunity from vaccination or previous measles infection should be isolated from anyone with measles to protect those without immunity and control the outbreak. According to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Rule §97.7, schools and childcare settings shall exclude unimmunized children for at least 21 days after the last date the unimmunized child was exposed to a measles case. The Source Information in this article comes from the March 21 update from the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas measles outbreak 2025: More new cases detected in West Texas
The Brief 12 new measles cases have been detected in West Texas, according to Texas DSHS. 158 cases have been detected in West Texas since late January. 1 child has died and more than 20 people have been hospitalized. AUSTIN - Twelve new measles cases have been confirmed in West Texas, according to officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services. Officials say they expect that number to grow in the coming days. What we know While testifying at the Texas House Committee on Public Health, Texas DSHS commissioner Dr. Jennifer Shuford said the total number of cases in the outbreak jumped from 146 to 158 over the weekend. The new cases are within the same 9 counties in Texas' South Plains and Panhandle that had detected cases in previous case totals. One child died in the outbreak and more than 20 people have been hospitalized. It is the biggest measles outbreak in Texas in 30 years. Officials say there have been decreasing vaccination rates in the region in recent years due to distrust of vaccinations. Some of the cases were among people who were vaccinated, according to officials. READ MORE: Measles vaccination rates in Texas: Find your school district Many of the cases are among 5 to 17-year-olds, but officials say they are seeing more cases among children younger than 5 years of age. Monday's update only included cases connected to the West Texas outbreak, which is mostly centered in Gaines County. READ MORE: Who are the Mennonites? Texas measles outbreak impacts community Measles cases have also been detected in Austin and Rockwall County, but both of those cases involved people who had traveled abroad. Texas DSHS says it is working to acquire more measles vaccines, is working with hospitals to prepare to a larger outbreak. Starting this week, billboards raising measles awareness are expected to go up in certain areas. By the numbers DSHS have not released a more detailed account of the newly confirmed cases. The numbers below are based on the Friday, Feb. 28 update. READ MORE:Measles: A look back at the history of the virus Cases by county: Gaines County: 98 Lubbock County: 2 Lynn County: 2 Terry County: 21 Yoakum County: 6 Dawson County: 8 Ector County: 2 Dallam County: 4 Martin County: 3 Cases by age: 0-4 years: 46 cases 5-17 years: 70 cases 18+: 25 cases Unknown: 5 cases Cases by vaccination status: Not vaccinated: 79 Unknown status: 62 Vaccinated with at least one dose: 5 What's next Case numbers are updated by the Texas Department of State Health Services on Tuesdays and Fridays. Why you should care Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. READ MORE:Measles: A look back at the history of the virus Illness onset (high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes) begins a week or two after someone is exposed. A few days later, the telltale rash breaks out as flat, red spots on the face and then spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body. A person is contagious about four days before the rash appears to four days after. People with measles should stay home from work or school during that period. Common symptoms for measles include: High fever (as high as 105°F) Cough Runny nose Red and watery eyes Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The "measles rash" typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body. The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. READ MORE:Measles: Your questions answered Some vaccinated people can occasionally develop measles; however, they generally experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the disease to other people. If you think you have measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, isolate yourself from others and call your healthcare provider before arriving to be tested so they can prepare for your arrival without exposing other people to the virus. Measles is extremely contagious and can cause life-threatening illness to anyone who is not protected against the virus. Review your and your child's vaccination history to see if you are up-to-date on your measles vaccines. Additionally, discuss with your provider your vaccination history and any questions about these vaccines. People with confirmed or suspected measles should stay home from school, work, and other group settings until after the fourth day of rash onset. During an outbreak, people without documented immunity from vaccination or previous measles infection should be isolated from anyone with measles to protect those without immunity and control the outbreak. According to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Rule §97.7, schools and childcare settings shall exclude unimmunized children for at least 21 days after the last date the unimmunized child was exposed to a measles case. The Source Information in this article comes from a Texas House Committee on Public Health on March 3, 2025. Other information comes from the Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas confirms growing measles outbreak affecting school-aged children
Officials at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) warn there is a growing measles outbreak involving school-aged children. The report said that 10 cases have been identified in Gaines County and eight of the cases are school-aged children, of which two are under the age of 5. All were unvaccinated cases, said officials. "Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities," the alert said.y Seven of the cases have been hospitalized, according to the Texas DSHS. Us Measles Cases Are Up In 2024. What's Driving The Increase? The rise in cases comes more than two decades after measles was reported eliminated by health agencies in 2000. Read On The Fox News App This week's alert went on to advise that additional cases are likely to occur soon. "Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities," they said. Officials urged people to immediately report any suspected cases to their local health department with the infected person in their presence. DSHS said the virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne and spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. They also warned that the virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Vaccination is the best way for people to avoid infection from measles and other preventable diseases, the advisory said. "Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they get infected with the measles virus," DSHS said. Young Girl With Heart Conditions Denied Being Added To Transplant List Over Vaccination Status, Family Says The report claims that each MMR dose lowers the risk of infection and the severity of illness if infected. For more Health articles, visit "DSHS and CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend children receive one dose of MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years. Each MMR dose lowers the risk of infection and severity of illness if infected. Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they get infected with the measles virus," according to their reports. In January, the Houston Health Department confirmed two cases of measles, prompting a health alert from the state. They were the first cases in Texas since 2023. Both cases were unvaccinated adults and had traveled article source: Texas confirms growing measles outbreak affecting school-aged children
Fox News
10-02-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Texas confirms growing measles outbreak affecting school-aged children
Officials at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) warn there is a growing measles outbreak involving school-aged children. The report said that 10 cases have been identified in Gaines County and eight of the cases are school-aged children, of which two are under the age of 5. All were unvaccinated cases, said officials. "Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities," the alert said.y Seven of the cases have been hospitalized, according to the Texas DSHS. The rise in cases comes more than two decades after measles was reported eliminated by health agencies in 2000. This week's alert went on to advise that additional cases are likely to occur soon. "Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities," they said. Officials urged people to immediately report any suspected cases to their local health department with the infected person in their presence. DSHS said the virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne and spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. They also warned that the virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Vaccination is the best way for people to avoid infection from measles and other preventable diseases, the advisory said. "Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they get infected with the measles virus," DSHS said. The report claims that each MMR dose lowers the risk of infection and the severity of illness if infected. For more Health articles, visit "DSHS and CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend children receive one dose of MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years. Each MMR dose lowers the risk of infection and severity of illness if infected. Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they get infected with the measles virus," according to their reports. In January, the Houston Health Department confirmed two cases of measles, prompting a health alert from the state. They were the first cases in Texas since 2023. Both cases were unvaccinated adults and had traveled internationally.
