In Gaines County, Texas, a rural community with strong conservative leanings, a measles outbreak is causing concern. The county has one of the highest vaccine exemption rates in the state, with nearly 1 in 5 incoming kindergartners not getting the required vaccinations.
The disease, which was once a rite of passage for children everywhere, has devastating consequences if left untreated. According to the CDC, each year:
– 400 to 500 people die from measles
– 48,000 are hospitalized
– 1,000 suffer from encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
Experts warn that unvaccinated individuals are more susceptible to contracting and spreading the disease.
A recent outbreak in Gaines County has prompted authorities to take action. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has issued an alert advising parents to vaccinate their children with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, but low vaccination rates in some areas are contributing to the outbreak. Anti-vaccination groups have been accused of spreading misinformation and manipulating data to support their claims.
The spread of measles has serious consequences, not only for the individuals infected but also for the broader community. As the disease spreads, it can lead to a decline in herd immunity, leaving vulnerable populations more susceptible to infection.
With low vaccination rates and anti-vaccination propaganda on the rise, public health experts are sounding the alarm. Parents must take responsibility for ensuring their children’s health and well-being by vaccinating them against measles and other preventable diseases.
In this article, we will examine the risks of anti-vaxxers putting children at risk in rural Texas County, explore the consequences of unvaccinated individuals, and discuss the importance of vaccination in maintaining herd immunity.
Source: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/2/8/2302412/-As-MMR-vaccination-rates-decline-kids-suffer-as-measles-cases-increase-in-Gaines-County-TX