A measles outbreak in western Texas has reached 481 cases, with 59 newly identified infections confirmed over the last three days. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), nearly all of the cases are among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
The majority of cases, accounting for 180, involve children and teenagers between ages 5 and 17, followed by children under 4, who make up 157 cases. Gaines County remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 315 confirmed cases so far.
Dr. Sapna Singh, chief medical officer for Texas Children’s Pediatrics in Houston, said the low number of rare breakthrough cases indicates the vaccine’s effectiveness. However, she noted that undiagnosed cases may exist due to various reasons, including waning immunity in certain individuals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed 607 measles cases in at least 21 states, with a significant portion among unvaccinated or unknown-vaccination-status individuals. The CDC’s data shows that about 12% of measles patients have been hospitalized, mostly among those aged 19 and under.
The current outbreak is concerning, particularly given the decline in vaccine rates both domestically and internationally. Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating that it is “our greatest defense against the infection.” She encouraged families to consult with their pediatricians for guidance on vaccination status and schedule.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/measles-outbreak-texas-hits-481-cases-59-new/story?id=120485225