Measles cases have been reported in at least four counties in Texas, including Harris County and the South Plains region, with two cases involving school-aged children who were not vaccinated. The cases have raised concerns among health officials, who are urging residents to get vaccinated against measles.
According to Laura Anton, spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services, the agency sent out an alert to health providers statewide once measles was confirmed to be found in two adult residents in Harris County last week. The alert stated that both individuals reside in the same household and were unvaccinated against measles.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can cause serious health consequences and even death, especially for young and unvaccinated children. In 2023, there were only two reported cases of measles in Texas, but this year’s cases are already surpassing those numbers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who get measles will be hospitalized, while up to three of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles may die from respiratory and neurologic complications.
Experts recommend that children get the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in two doses: the first between 12 months and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is about 93% effective at preventing measles infection, and two doses are about 97% effective.
The recent upswing in cases statewide comes as the measles vaccination rate among kindergarteners has dropped, from almost 97% in the 2019-2020 school year to 94.3% in 2023-24. Texas is among the majority of states that have seen vaccination declines since the pandemic.
Health officials are urging residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families, particularly those who are unvaccinated or at risk for serious complications from measles. By staying up to date on vaccinations, residents can help prevent outbreaks and keep their communities safe.
Source: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/30/texas-measles-vaccinations-schools