A measles outbreak in West Texas has grown to 58 cases, with four patients self-reporting they were vaccinated against the disease. The cases have spread across four counties, mostly affecting children and the Mennonite community in Gaines County.
According to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), 13 patients have been hospitalized due to measles-related complications. Despite this, there is currently no evidence that the virus has mutated into a vaccine-resistant variant, contradicting claims from some lawmakers who support loosening vaccination requirements.
In Texas, nearly 97% of kindergarteners were vaccinated against measles in 2019, but vaccination rates have dropped since then. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a two-dose measles vaccine series to be 97% effective against the disease.
Measles symptoms include high fever, watery eyes, runny nose, and rashes. In severe cases, hospitalization can occur, especially among unvaccinated individuals. The World Health Organization states that measles is highly contagious, with a 90% infection rate among unvaccinated people exposed to the virus.
The outbreak highlights concerns about declining vaccination rates in Texas, which has introduced over 20 bills aimed at loosening vaccine requirements.
Source: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/18/texas-measles-outbreak-climbs