Measles Outbreak in West Texas Symptoms and Concerns Over Vaccine Rates

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Measles Case Spike in West Texas

Health officials are currently grappling with a measles outbreak in parts of West Texas. Once believed eradicated 25 years ago, the virus has made a notable comeback, with the number of cases doubling in just a week. As of yesterday, there were 58 confirmed measles cases and 13 hospitalizations across several western Texas counties.

• 🎧 Majority of Cases Among School-Age Children
• According to the state health department, most measles patients are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccine status. Measles can be particularly dangerous for babies and children. In Gaines County, transmission is attributed to a “vaccine-hesitant” population with a 2019 vaccination rate of just under 82%, compared to the state’s average of 90%.

China’s Opportunity Amid U.S. Cuts to Human Rights Grants

As President Trump’s administration focuses on shrinking the federal government, China sees an opening to enhance its global influence. NPR’s Emily Feng has found that Chinese entities have approached at least two U.S. organizations working on human rights issues related to China. These organizations have reportedly been offered connections to Chinese financial backers. The groups at risk include women’s rights organizations and legal aid nonprofits, frequently criticized by authoritarian regimes.

• China’s actions are viewed with concern by some human rights advocates. They are worried about a developing alignment between the Trump administration’s stance on democracy promotion and how authoritarian governments consider such topics.

Jair Bolsonaro Charged with Alleged Coup Attempt

Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro was charged by the attorney general for attempting to overturn the 2022 election. Accusations against him include plotting a coup, inciting violence, and devising a plan to poison the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro denies the charges, likening his legal battle to that faced by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

• Bolsonaro’s legal fight is based on a nearly 900-page report detailing testimonies, phone records, and plea deals from close allies. Additionally, hundreds of rioters have been charged for the chaos that erupted in Brasília on January 8, 2023. Conviction could result in anywhere from 12 to 40 years in prison.

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