Texas is grappling with its worst measles outbreak in decades, with 124 confirmed cases across nine counties. On Wednesday, the Texas Department of Health Services (DSHS) reported the first death in the outbreak—an unvaccinated child in West Texas.
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The Texas Department of Health Services (DSHS) says there are now 124 cases of measles spread across nine counties. This is the state's biggest measles outbreak in decades. On Wednesday, health officials revealed that the first person to die in the outbreak was a school-aged child in West Texas who had not been vaccinated and had been hospitalized before passing away.
The first cases were found in Gaines County, primarily among Mennonites. Since then, they have spread to Terry, Dallam, Dawson, Ector, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, and Yoakum counties. The cases mainly involve kids between the ages of 5 and 17, and 18 of them have been hospitalized. Five patients were vaccinated, but their conditions are still unknown in most cases.
Concerns are rising after health officials said an infected person moved from where the outbreak started to South Central Texas. This person could have exposed people at Texas State University, a Twin Peaks restaurant in San Marcos, and a Buc-ee's in New Braunfels.
Measles is a very contagious virus that can cause serious problems like asthma, brain swelling, and even death, especially in young children and people who haven't been vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting vaccinated immediately to stop spreading the disease.
New Mexico is also experiencing an episode of measles; as of Tuesday, nine cases had been confirmed. As attempts to contain the disease intensify, public health officials are monitoring both outbreaks closely.
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