Texas health officials are reporting a concerning measles outbreak in Gaines County, West Texas, with 10 confirmed cases, mostly among unvaccinated children. This follows recent cases in Harris County, prompting a statewide health alert. The highly contagious disease poses serious health risks and has seen a resurgence in recent years.
The Texas health department reported the number of measles cases in Gaines County in West Texas is now 10. Most are children and all were unvaccinated.At least 10 cases of measles — eight of which are among school-aged children — have been reported in Gaines County in West Texas over the past two weeks, driving worries of an escalating outbreak.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. Symptoms could include a high fever, cough, runny nose and rash that starts on the face but then extends to the rest of the body. The health consequences of getting measles can be serious and sometimes result in death.The disease’s prevalence has accelerated in recent years. According to the CDC, by March 2024 there were more reported measles cases that year than in all of 2023.
Texas health officials have consistently said that vaccination is the best way for people to steer clear of measles and other preventable diseases. The vaccination process includes two separate doses. “Children too young to be vaccinated are more likely to have severe complications if they get infected with the measles virus,” the Texas health officials wrote in aExperts recommend that children get the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in two doses: the first between 12 months and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is about 93% effective at preventing measles infection, and two doses are about 97% effective.Independent Texas reporting needs your support.
MEASLES OUTBREAK TEXAS VACCINATION PUBLIC HEALTH
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.
2 cases of measles exposure confirmed in Snohomish CountyThe Snohomish County Health Department reported Tuesday that at least two people have been exposed to the measles virus.
Read more »
At least four measles cases reported in TexasTwo of the four cases are in Lubbock, which hasn’t seen a case in more than 20 years. Meanwhile, measles vaccination rates in Texas have fallen over the last four years.
Read more »
Measles cases identified in two school-age children in TexasTwo school-age children from Gaines County who had measles were hospitalized in Lubbock, state officials said.
Read more »
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Samoa Visit Raises Questions About Measles Outbreak ResponseRobert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 2019 visit to Samoa is drawing scrutiny as President Trump's nominee for HHS. Kennedy's advocacy against vaccines coincides with a devastating measles outbreak in Samoa, raising questions about his role and the delayed response to the crisis.
Read more »
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Samoa Visit Amidst 2019 Measles Outbreak Remains ControversialRobert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 2019 visit to Samoa during a devastating measles outbreak has resurfaced as a point of contention. Kennedy, who was vying for the position of U.S. health secretary, made claims about the cause of death during the outbreak, suggesting uncertainty surrounding the role of measles. This sparked criticism from health officials who emphasized the severity of the outbreak and the role of the virus in the deaths.
Read more »
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Samoa Visit Fuels Anti-Vaccine Sentiment Amidst Measles OutbreakRobert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine activist, visited Samoa in 2019 during a devastating measles outbreak. His visit, organized by a local anti-vaccine influencer, has been criticized for fueling anti-vaccine sentiment and contributing to the spread of misinformation about vaccines.
Read more »