Texas Measles Outbreak: Cases Spike Near 100
Society
AI summaryDisplay highlights
- Texas South Plains near 100 measles cases
- Mainly in Gaines County, spreading to other counties
- Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, fatigue
- Concerns over vaccination rates in Texas students
- CDC recommends measles, mumps, rubella vaccine
360 summary
- The outbreak in Texas is primarily concentrated within a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community, especially among families who attend small private religious schools or are homeschooled.
- Gaines County has one of the highest rates in Texas of school-aged children opting out of at least one required vaccine, with nearly 14 percent of K-12 children in the 2023-24 school year having been opted out.
- Health officials suggest that the number of unvaccinated children could be even higher in Gaines County, as it does not account for homeschooled children whose vaccination status is not reported.
Newsweek- Measles primarily affects young children and unvaccinated adults, but it can also impact adults who have not been vaccinated or previously contracted the disease.
- Complications of measles, such as pneumonia, blindness, and brain swelling, can occur, highlighting the severity of the disease beyond just the initial symptoms.
- Data from the CDC shows that a significant number of cases occurred in children under the age of two and individuals aged 5-19, emphasizing the vulnerability of these age groups to measles outbreaks.
Newsweek- The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is about 97% effective at preventing measles with the standard two doses and 93% effective with one dose.
- The vaccine generally provides long-term or lifelong protection, reducing the risk of contracting measles.
- Adults born after 1957 and vaccinated before 1968 should consider getting revaccinated, as early measles vaccines may not be as effective.
Forbes
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