A growing measles outbreak in rural West Texas has raised concerns about low vaccination rates in the region. In January, two children were hospitalized for measles, and as of Friday afternoon, 14 confirmed cases have been reported, with six probable cases among those symptomatic and in close contact.
The outbreak is attributed to unvaccinated individuals, mainly children, who are more susceptible to serious health consequences. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 1 in 5 incoming kindergartners in Gaines County did not get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, exceeding Texas’s state average.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can cause death, especially among young children. The CDC warns that unvaccinated people may experience severe symptoms, including fever, cough, and pneumonia, with up to 3 in every 1,000 children dying from respiratory complications.
To mitigate the outbreak, health officials recommend that residents improve their immunity by getting vaccinated immediately. A measles clinic has been established in Gaines County, offering daily testing and vaccination services starting next week.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/07/health/west-texas-measles-outbreak/index.html