The recent measles outbreak in rural West Texas has caused concern among health officials as the number of cases continues to rise. As of Friday, there have been 90 reported cases across seven counties, with 16 people hospitalized. In neighboring eastern New Mexico, there have been nine reported cases, but state public health officials have stated that there is no evidence linking this outbreak to the one in Texas.
The majority of the cases in West Texas are among children under the age of 18, with 26 cases in children under 4 years old and 51 cases in children aged 5-17. However, there have also been 10 reported cases in adults, with three cases still pending an age determination. The Ector County Health Department has confirmed that their case is in a child who was too young to be vaccinated.
According to the Texas state health department, this is the largest measles outbreak in the state in nearly 30 years. Health department spokesperson Lara Anton stated that the cases are concentrated in a “close-knit, undervaccinated” Mennonite community, particularly among families who attend small private religious schools or are homeschooled.
In New Mexico, all nine reported cases are in Lea County, which borders Gaines County in Texas. The state health department has identified several places where people may have been exposed, including a grocery store, an elementary school, a church, a hospital, and a pharmacy in Hobbs, New Mexico.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus if exposed. While most children will recover from measles, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death.
The good news is that the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is safe and highly effective in preventing measles infection and severe cases of the disease. The first dose is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old, and the second dose between 4 and 6 years old. The vaccine series is required for children before entering kindergarten in public schools nationwide.
Before the vaccine was introduced in 1963, the U.S. saw an alarming 3 to 4 million cases of measles per year. Thanks to the widespread use of the vaccine, this number has significantly decreased, with usually fewer than 200 cases reported in a normal year.
It is important to note that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, despite a now-discredited study and health disinformation. The CDC and other health organizations have repeatedly stated that the vaccine is safe and does not cause autism.
In communities with high vaccination rates, diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through the population. This is known as “herd immunity.” However, in recent years, childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide, with more parents claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their children from required shots.
In 2019, the U.S. saw a rise in measles cases, including an outbreak in Chicago that sickened more than 60 people. This is a concerning trend, especially in areas like Gaines County, which has one of the highest rates in Texas of school-aged children who opt out of at least one required vaccine. In the 2023-2024 school year, nearly 14% of K-12 children in the county were not fully vaccinated. Health officials believe that this number is likely even higher, as it does not include many children who are homeschooled and whose data would not be reported.
In response to the outbreak, health workers in Texas are hosting regular vaccination clinics and screening efforts. They are also working closely with schools to educate families about the importance of vaccination and offering shots to those who need them. In New Mexico, health officials are also taking proactive measures by hosting several vaccination clinics in Hobbs next week.
It is crucial for everyone to understand the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of diseases like measles. The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect ourselves and our communities from this highly contagious virus. Let us all do our part in promoting public health and ensuring the well-being of our children and communities.
