Measles cases are on the rise in the United States, with a major outbreak in Texas raising alarms. Health officials report that the outbreak in western Texas has rapidly grown, with cases doubling in just a few days.
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed that the number of cases in Texas increased from 24 on Tuesday to 48 by Friday. This marks the state’s largest measles outbreak in over 30 years. All cases have been reported among unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status is unknown, with 13 people currently hospitalized. Gaines County, where the outbreak is centered, has seen 42 confirmed cases.
Nearby New Mexico has also seen cases, with three unrelated measles cases confirmed last week in Lea County, which borders Gaines County. While a connection to the Texas outbreak is suspected, it has not been confirmed by officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 14 measles cases across five states this year, though this does not include the latest Texas or New Mexico cases.
Experts in infectious diseases have voiced concerns over the rise in measles cases, warning that this could lead to a larger outbreak, especially among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated populations.
Dr. Alok Patel, a pediatrician at Stanford Children’s Health, emphasized the severity of the situation, comparing it to a crack in the foundation of a building that could eventually collapse. “A small measles outbreak could be the start of a public health catastrophe that is completely preventable,” he said.
In Gaines County, vaccine exemptions have surged in recent years. In 2013, about 7.5% of kindergarteners had vaccine exemptions. By 2023, that number had more than doubled to 17.5%, one of the highest rates in Texas. Nationwide, the CDC reports that while 93% of kindergarteners met vaccination requirements in 2022-2023, the rate of vaccine exemptions rose to 3%, the highest in U.S. history.
Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, also expressed concern over falling vaccination rates. “I’m worried about kids, but I’m also worried about adults, especially those whose immunity has waned,” he said.
Vaccine hesitancy is seen as a key factor in the outbreak. Dr. Patel noted that he has had more discussions about vaccines in the past six months than in the past five years, often addressing concerns fueled by misinformation.
Measles, one of the most contagious diseases, can spread rapidly, with one infected person able to transmit the virus to 9 out of 10 susceptible people. However, all of the cases reported in the U.S. have been among unvaccinated individuals, underscoring the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine.
Experts expect the number of cases to rise, given the highly contagious nature of measles. Public health officials continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease.
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