Texas Faces Largest Measles Surge Since 1990s as Vaccination Rates Drop
A measles outbreak in West Texas has ballooned to 48 confirmed casesâprimarily affecting unvaccinated children and teensâmarking the stateâs most significant outbreak in nearly three decades. Thirteen hospitalizations have been reported, with health officials scrambling to contain the spread.
Undervaccinated Communities at Risk
The outbreak has primarily impacted a rural Mennonite community, where families often opt out of routine healthcare, according to Texas Department of State Health Services spokesperson Lara Anton. âItâs all personal choice,â Anton emphasized, noting that Gaines Countyâs decentralized education system (private schools and homeschooling) complicates vaccination tracking.
Measles: A âGhost Virusâ With Staying Power
Measles remains one of the most contagious viruses, surviving in airspaces for up to two hours. The CDC warns that 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed will contract it. Pre-vaccine era data shows 3â4 million annual U.S. cases; current averages hover below 200, but 2024 has seen spikes, including a Chicago outbreak infecting 60+ people.
Texasâ Vaccine Exemption Problem
Texas law allows vaccine exemptions for religious or personal beliefs, with opt-outs tripling since 2014ânow affecting 2.32% of schoolchildren. Health officials are collaborating with schools to identify symptoms and encourage vaccinations, but challenges persist in rural areas.
Data point: Just two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective, yet global misinformation campaigns and healthcare access gaps threaten progress.
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Measles outbreak in U.S. state hits 48 cases, worst in nearly 30 years
cgtn.com
