A recent meeting of the College of American Pathologists has shed light on the ongoing measles outbreaks in Texas. The experts believe that the actual case count is an underestimation, making it difficult to determine the true value.
Measles is a highly contagious virus, capable of spreading to 18 others for every infected person. As the outbreak continues to spread in West Texas, medical experts are concerned about its potential spread to more populated areas like Houston.
According to Dr. Ben Bradley, Microbiology Committee Chairman at the College of American Pathologists, the vaccination rates in different cultures and populations within a city can vary greatly. “There will be pockets where the vaccine coverage is not homogenous,” he said. “Even with high vaccination rates, there are groups of people who may only be partially vaccinated.”
Dr. Bradley also warned that the measles virus is highly transmissible, even through casual contact. This makes it crucial for individuals who are not vaccinated to take precautions.
On the other hand, Dr. Donald Karcher, President at the College of American Pathologists, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing measles infections. He noted that vaccines are not recommended until a child is at least one year old and receives two doses. “If you get vaccinated, you’re helping protect those who can’t be vaccinated,” he said.
However, experts also cautioned against using vitamin A as a treatment for measles. While it may help reduce mortality in children, taking excessive amounts of the supplement can be toxic.
Source: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/03/18/what-medical-experts-are-saying-about-texas-ongoing-measles-outbreaks-treatments