Measles Outbreak in West Texas Claims First U.S. Death in Nearly a Decade
A measles outbreak in West Texas has resulted in the first U.S. measles-related death in nearly a decade, with over 130 cases reported across Texas and New Mexico. The victim, an unvaccinated school-aged child, died after being hospitalized in Lubbock, Texas. Health officials have confirmed that the majority of cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, with 18 hospitalizations reported so far.
The outbreak originated in Gaines County, Texas, which has become the epicenter, with 80 confirmed cases. The disease has since spread to neighboring counties and is suspected to have crossed into New Mexico, where nine cases have been reported. Health authorities are urging vaccinations to contain the highly contagious virus, which can spread rapidly among unvaccinated populations.
Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist, emphasized the severity of measles, calling it a “severe disease that can take lives despite being preventable with vaccination.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is 97% effective in preventing the disease. However, vaccination rates have lagged in recent years, with only 93% of kindergarteners receiving routine childhood vaccines during the 2022-23 school year.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine critic, downplayed the outbreak, stating that measles outbreaks occur annually and claiming that hospitalizations were for quarantine purposes. However, local health officials clarified that hospitalizations were due to severe symptoms, such as pneumonia, and not for quarantine.
The outbreak has raised concerns among healthcare professionals, with pediatricians reporting increased inquiries about early vaccinations for children. Measles, declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, remains a significant public health threat due to declining vaccination rates. Health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread and fatalities.
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