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Texas Measles Outbreak Declared Over, But Threat Remains
The Texas Department of State Health Services has declared an end to the West Texas measles outbreak, the largest in the U.S. in three decades. With no new cases reported in the affected counties for over 42 days—double the disease’s maximum incubation period—the outbreak is officially considered over.
This outbreak, which began earlier this year, resulted in 762 confirmed cases, 99 hospitalizations, and tragically, two deaths in school-aged children. Children were disproportionately affected, accounting for at least 511 cases. Gaines County was the epicenter, with 414 cases, followed by Terry (60), El Paso (59), and Lubbock (52) counties.
While this outbreak is contained, health officials warn that the measles threat persists. More cases are anticipated in Texas this year.
Nationwide, the CDC has reported 1,356 measles cases across 40 states, with significant numbers in New Mexico (100) and Kansas (90). Worryingly, New Mexico has also reported one measles-related death and is experiencing a recent surge in cases.
Measles is highly contagious, with symptoms including rash, fever, fatigue, runny nose, and red eyes. Symptoms typically appear 10-14 days after exposure, sometimes as late as 21 days.
The effectiveness of the measles vaccine was highlighted during the Texas outbreak. Of the reported cases, only 44 were in vaccinated individuals, while 718 were unvaccinated.
This underscores the importance of vaccination, typically administered to children between 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years old, offering long-term or even lifetime protection. Disturbingly, a recent state report revealed that 6.76% of Texas kindergarteners haven’t received the measles vaccine.
The outbreak coincided with the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, as secretary of health and human services. While Kennedy eventually acknowledged the seriousness of the outbreak and endorsed the measles vaccine, he also advocated for vitamin A as a treatment, drawing criticism from health experts who emphasized its ineffectiveness as a standalone treatment and the potential risks of excessive vitamin A intake.