Title: Spike in Texas Measles Outbreak Reaches 422 Cases
The measles outbreak in western Texas continues to escalate, with 22 new cases confirmed over the past five days, bringing the total to 422 in the state. Data released on Tuesday indicates that nearly all cases are in individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). At least 42 individuals have required hospitalization to date.
Health officials state that only a handful of cases (four) have been identified in individuals who were fully vaccinated with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, and one case occurred in someone who had received one dose. The majority of cases, 169, are in children and teenagers aged 5 to 17, followed by 141 cases in children aged 4 and under.
The Texas DSHS warns that due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, additional cases are likely in the outbreak area and surrounding communities. Collaborative efforts are in place with local health departments to investigate and manage the outbreak.
In a related development, neighboring Colorado reported its first measles case this year in an unvaccinated adult resident who had traveled to a measles-affected area in Mexico. Ohio also confirmed two additional measles cases in international travelers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a total of 483 measles cases this year in 19 states, with concerns that this number may not fully capture the extent of the outbreak due to reporting delays. The CDC stresses the importance of vaccination, with about 97% of the nationally confirmed cases affecting unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
While the CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for optimal protection, data shows that even one dose is 93% effective and two doses are 97% effective. Vaccinated adults are generally not advised to receive a booster.
Despite measles being declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, vaccination rates have seen a decline in recent years, contributing to outbreaks like the one currently affecting Texas.
(ABC News’ Youri Benadjaoud contributed to this report)
