Officials are on high alert as the number of measles cases linked to an outbreak in western Texas has risen to 198, with 39 new cases recorded in the past three days, according to recent data released on Friday. The majority of cases involve individuals who are either unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status, with 80 unvaccinated cases and 113 cases of unknown status. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported that at least 23 individuals have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak. Surprisingly, only five cases have been reported among individuals who received one dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. The most affected age groups are children and teenagers aged 5 to 17, followed by children under the age of 4.
Currently, there has been one reported death of an unvaccinated school-aged child in Texas. The child had no known underlying health conditions, according to DSHS. This marks the first measles-related death in the United States in ten years. Another potential measles-related death was reported in New Mexico, where an unvaccinated resident tested positive for the virus. The cause of death is still under investigation by the New Mexico Department of Health.
Gaines County has been identified as the epicenter of the outbreak, with 137 confirmed cases among its residents. Despite accounting for less than 1% of the state’s total population, over 90% of cases have been concentrated in just six counties. Vaccine exemptions in Gaines County have significantly increased over the years, with over 17.5% of kindergarteners having exemptions for at least one vaccine, one of the highest rates in Texas.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 164 cases in nine states, including Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas. However, experts believe that the actual number of cases could be higher due to delays in reporting to the federal government. Measles is highly contagious, with one infected person capable of spreading the virus to up to nine out of 10 susceptible individuals in close contact.
Health officials are strongly urging individuals who are not vaccinated to receive the MMR vaccine. The CDC recommends two vaccine doses for optimal protection, with the first dose administered between 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years old. The vaccine is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after two doses.
Texas health officials are recommending that, for those in the outbreak area, parents may want to consider giving an early dose of the MMR vaccine to children aged 6 months to 11 months. Additionally, adults who have only received one MMR dose in the past should consider getting a second dose. The CDC recently mentioned that they are working in collaboration with DSHS officials in Texas to address the measles outbreak. Despite the successful vaccination program that led to the elimination of measles in the U.S. in 2000, recent CDC data indicates a decline in vaccination rates. ABC News’ Youri Benadjaoud contributed to this report. The number of measles cases in Texas has risen to 198, with 39 new cases reported. This information was originally published on abcnews.go.com.
