Measles cases, primarily affecting school-aged children, have emerged in Gaines County, Texas, raising alarm due to its high rate of vaccine exemptions. Health officials are investigating potential links to private religious schools, while the state grapples with a rising trend of parents opting out of vaccinations for their children.
Measles cases, mostly affecting school-aged children, have been confirmed in Gaines County, Texas , a region with one of the highest rates of vaccine exemptions in the US. South Plains Public Health District Director Zach Holbrooks announced on Monday that his department received the first notification about two children diagnosed with measles in late January. These children had sought medical attention in Lubbock.
Holbrooks stated that some cases appear to be linked to private religious schools within the district, although the investigation is still ongoing. \He emphasized that while the connection isn't confirmed for all cases, health teams are actively investigating potential exposure sites and the background of those affected. Texas law permits children to be exempt from school vaccines based on conscience, including religious beliefs. Gaines County exhibits a concerning trend with a high percentage of children opting out of vaccinations. Data reveals that the number of children with exemptions has surged from 0.76% in 2014 to 2.32% last year. \Gaines County stands out with nearly 14% of children in kindergarten through grade 12 having an exemption for at least one required vaccine during the 2023-24 school year. This figure significantly surpasses the state average of 2.32% and even the national rate of 3.3%. However, the actual number of unvaccinated children in the county is likely considerably higher. This is because Gaines County has a substantial number of homeschooled children, whose vaccination data isn't reported. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, administered in two doses, is recommended at 12 to 15 months and again between 4 to 6 years old. It is mandatory for attendance in most public schools across the US. \One early case from Gaines County traveled to neighboring New Mexico while still infectious, but there have been no immediate reports of infection there. New Mexico health officials have yet to provide a comment. Two measles cases were reported in early January in the Houston area, but Holbrooks asserts that the West Texas cases appear unrelated. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can persist in the air for up to two hours. An alarming 9 out of 10 susceptible individuals will contract the virus upon exposure. Before the vaccine's introduction in 1963, the US witnessed approximately 3 million to 4 million cases annually. Currently, cases are typically fewer than 200 in a normal year
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