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Health officials reported on Friday morning that the measles outbreak in Texas has increased by six cases since the last state update earlier in the week.
The Texas Department of State Health Services estimates that fewer than 10 of the 728 cases are currently infectious. Measles is considered infectious from four days before to four days after the onset of a rash.
Since the outbreak began in Gaines County in January, 94 individuals have been hospitalized, and two school-age children have died. According to the state health department, neither child was vaccinated nor had any underlying health conditions.
Gaines County accounts for 56% of the outbreak cases, with 408 cases reported. Other affected counties include Cochran, dawson, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum.
an additional 22 cases,not linked to the main outbreak,have been reported in Texas,including two cases in Denton County,two in Tarrant County,and one in Rockwall County.
Measles is known as one of the most contagious viruses globally and spreads quickly among unvaccinated populations. Of the 728 current cases, state health officials report that 691 occurred in individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
The two-dose MMR vaccine is highly effective, offering 97% protection against the illness. Health experts recommend the first dose for babies between 12 and 15 months of age,followed by the second dose when the child is 4 to 6 years old.
The vaccine is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or immunocompromised.
Texas Measles Cases Rise, Outbreak Remains Concentrated
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Health officials report a slight increase in cases, with the majority occurring in unvaccinated individuals; no new counties affected.
DALLAS – Texas health officials reported an increase of six measles cases since their last update earlier this week. The majority of cases remain concentrated in specific counties, especially among unvaccinated individuals.
the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) estimates that fewer than 1%, or fewer than 10, of the 728 reported cases are currently infectious. Measles is highly contagious, typically spreading four days before and four days after the onset of a rash.
As the outbreak began in Gaines County in January, 94 people have required hospitalization, and tragically, two school-aged children have died. The TDSHS confirmed that neither child had been vaccinated against measles, nor did they have any known underlying health conditions.
Outbreak Concentrated in Gaines County
Gaines County remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 408 cases, or 56% of the total. Other counties affected include Cochran, Dawson, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum. Health officials are closely monitoring these areas to prevent further spread.
“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, spreads rapidly among unvaccinated people.”
Along with the main outbreak,22 cases not directly linked have been reported across Texas. These include two cases in Denton County, two in Tarrant County, and one in Rockwall County. These isolated cases highlight the ongoing risk of measles transmission throughout the state.
Vaccination Key to Prevention
Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily among unvaccinated individuals.According to the TDSHS, 691 of the 728 cases occurred in people who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. This underscores the critical importance of vaccination in preventing the disease.
The MMR vaccine, administered in two doses, is 97% effective in preventing measles. Health experts recommend the first dose be given to infants between 12 and 15 months old, with the second dose administered between 4 and 6 years of age.
However, the MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with compromised immune systems. Alternative preventative measures may be advised for these groups.
