Texas reports latest measles numbers as cases continue to spread
The measles outbreak in the South Plains region of Texas continues to escalate, with the latest numbers released by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on March 11 revealing a total of 223 confirmed cases since late January. This marks an increase from the 198 cases reported just a few days earlier on March 7.
Among the confirmed cases, 98 have affected children between the ages of 5 and 17, with an additional 76 cases reported in young children aged 4 and under. Thirty-eight cases have been reported in adults 18 and older, while 11 cases are still pending age verification.
According to health officials, 29 of the patients have required hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms. Shockingly, only five of the cases affected individuals who had received at least one dose of the measles vaccine. Eighty patients were unvaccinated, and the vaccination status of 138 cases remains unknown.
Tragically, there has been one measles-related fatality reported in Lubbock, involving a school-aged child who was not vaccinated against the disease. This underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing severe outcomes from measles infection.
The highly contagious nature of measles poses a significant challenge in containing the outbreak, with health officials warning that additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and surrounding communities. The DSHS is collaborating with local health departments to investigate and manage the ongoing outbreak.
The measles outbreak is not limited to Texas, as other states are also experiencing a rise in cases. New Mexico reported 33 cases on Tuesday, while Vermont confirmed its first case in a school-aged child in Lamoille County who had recently traveled internationally.
Measles is a highly contagious virus, with a 90% chance of transmission to unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with an infected person. The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and medical experts.
In light of the growing concern surrounding the measles outbreak, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about the importance of vaccination and public health measures to prevent further spread of the disease. Stay tuned for updates on the evolving situation and follow health guidelines to protect yourself and your community from measles infection.
