A measles outbreak in Texas federal detention facilities has raised public health concerns, with El Paso officials expressing frustration over the lack of information from federal authorities. The outbreak has infected at least four El Paso residents who worked in the facilities, potentially exposing the disease to the wider population.
The legal proceedings in the Christopher Preciado capital murder trial are nearing their conclusion, with the prosecution and defense teams preparing to deliver their closing arguments. Evidence presented during the trial includes video footage showing the exchange of Matthew Guerra’s rings at a pawn shop, providing crucial context to the case.
Both the prosecution and defense have completed the presentation of their respective cases, and the jury is awaiting final summations before deliberations. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the 19-year-old victim of a recent shooting on the Northeast Side, adding a somber note to the week's events. Separately, San Antonio car shop owners received their first look at the new emissions test process scheduled to be implemented in November, preparing for regulatory changes. In a display of community spirit, Harlandale ISD celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Cultural Arts Fair with a vibrant parade, performances, and a 5K run. Last month, Texas' federal detention facilities faced a measles outbreak, potentially exposing the highly contagious disease to the public. Emails obtained by The Texas Tribune reveal that at least four El Paso residents, who worked in one of the centers, were infected. This situation raised public health concerns within the state. According to the emails, city officials in El Paso expressed frustration over the lack of information provided by federal and facility authorities. These officials were particularly concerned about the lack of clarity regarding the vaccination status of detainees. Brandon Rohrig, the city's health deputy director, shared these concerns in a March email, highlighting the difficulties in obtaining vaccination information and the challenges in communicating with detainees. The situation underscores the public health risks associated with Texas' role in housing federal detainees, especially in light of worsening vaccination rates. The city's first measles cases of the year were identified as four adults with unknown vaccination statuses, who had visited multiple locations, including a hospital, department store, malls, and restaurants. In the same news release, officials reported 13 measles cases at Camp East Montana, the country’s largest immigration detention facility near El Paso. While officials stated that the community cases were not tied to those in the camp, new records indicate that the four residents were staff at the West Texas Detention Facility in neighboring Hudspeth County. This facility holds U.S. Marshals Service detainees, including immigrants who may be transferred to ICE custody. Hudspeth County Judge Joanna MacKenzie noted that the area is rural and sparsely populated, and many of the facility's staff reside in El Paso. Despite the measles cases at the detention facility, there have been no reported cases among residents in Hudspeth County. A WTDF detainee also potentially exposed measles to 18 people at Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar expressed concern about the risks these detention centers pose to the community, describing them as “black boxes” for local and state officials. Escobar stated that the current administration has actively worked to prevent congressional oversight. The Department of Homeland Security has not provided detailed answers regarding the measles outbreak or the number of vaccine doses administered in the facilities. Instead, a DHS spokesperson reiterated that ICE detainees have access to “comprehensive medical care” including vaccines. The spokesperson also stated that the ICE Health Services Corps takes steps to quarantine and control the spread of active infections. The Marshals Service redirected questions about the cases to WTDF, operated by LaSalle Corrections, which did not respond to detailed inquiries. A state health agency spokesperson, Lara Anton, stated that the WTDF employees no longer pose a risk because their incubation period has passed
Measles Detention Centers Texas Public Health El Paso
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump is expected to nominate new CDC director, as measles keeps spreadingErika Edwards is a health and medical news writer and reporter for NBC News and 'TODAY.'
Read more »
CDC Leadership Crisis Deepens Amidst Public Trust Concerns and Measles OutbreaksThe CDC is facing a leadership crisis as the White House prepares to nominate a new director amid public trust concerns and escalating measles outbreaks. The agency has been marked by chaos, layoffs, and a deadly incident, raising questions about the future direction of the nation's top health agency.
Read more »
Measles continues spread with exposure at grocery stores, medical offices, temple open houseEmily Ashcraft is a reporter for KSL. She covers issues in state courts, health and religion. In her spare time, Emily enjoys crafting, cycling and raising chickens.
Read more »
Measles spike in federal detention facility reaches the Texas public, records showMost of the state’s measles cases reported so far this year are inside the West Texas Detention Facility in Hudspeth County, where four infected El Paso residents worked.
Read more »
Measles spike in federal detention facility reaches the Texas public, records showAn explosion of reported measles cases in Texas’ federal detention facilities broke through tothe public last month, infecting at least four El Paso residents who worked in one of the centers and potentially exposing th
Read more »
Measles spike in federal detention facility reaches the Texas public, records showAn explosion of reported measles cases in Texas’ federal detention facilities broke through tothe public last month, infecting at least four El Paso residents
Read more »