An outbreak in western Texas has led to a total of 259 measles cases, with 36 new cases reported in the last three days. Nearly all cases involve individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Only two cases have been reported in individuals who received two vaccine doses, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals are rare, as the measles vaccine offers up to 97% protection after two doses. The outbreak has resulted in at least 34 hospitalizations.
The majority of cases in the Texas outbreak are in children and teenagers aged 5 to 17, accounting for 115 cases, followed by children under 4 years old with 86 cases. Health officials anticipate more cases in the area and surrounding communities.
There have been two likely measles-related deaths in the U.S. One death is confirmed to be linked to measles, while the other is definitively connected to the measles virus, though the exact cause of death is still under investigation. The first reported death was an unvaccinated school-aged child in Texas, who did not have any known underlying conditions. This marks the first measles-related death in the U.S. in a decade.
Gaines County is at the center of the Texas outbreak, with 174 confirmed cases among residents. Vaccine exemptions in the county have seen a significant increase over the years, from 7.5% of kindergartners filing for exemptions in 2013 to over 17.5% a decade later.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported hundreds of cases in 12 states this year. The majority of cases nationwide involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Measles is highly contagious, with one infected individual able to spread the virus to up to 90% of susceptible close contacts.
Health officials are urging vaccination with the MMR vaccine, as recommended by the CDC for two doses, the first between ages 12 to 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
According to the CDC, a single dose is 93% effective, while two doses are 97% effective. The majority of vaccinated adults are not recommended to receive a booster shot. The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000 thanks to a successful vaccination program. However, recent CDC data indicates a decline in vaccination rates. This report was contributed by ABC News’ Youri Benadjaoud. The number of measles cases associated with the Texas outbreak has risen to 259, with only 2 cases reported among fully vaccinated individuals. Read more on abcnews.go.com.
