A measles outbreak in western Texas has surpassed 600 cases, with nearly all cases among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), at least 64 patients have been hospitalized so far. The majority of confirmed cases are among children and teenagers between ages 5 and 17.
Gaines County remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 386 cases confirmed. Five additional states – Montana, Louisiana, Missouri, Virginia, and Indiana – also reported their first measles cases within the last week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has so far confirmed over 800 nationwide cases in at least 24 states.
Public health officials recommend that people receive two vaccine doses, which are 97% effective against measles. However, vaccination rates have been lagging in recent years, contributing to the outbreak. Measles was declared eliminated from the US in 2000, but efforts to maintain high vaccination rates are necessary to prevent outbreaks like this one.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/texas-measles-outbreak-surpasses-600-cases-children-teens/story?id=121042863