Confirmed Infections in Texas Measles Outbreak Rises to 146 With Thousands Possibly Exposed and One Death So Far
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 01, 2025 3 hours, 2 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News: The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has confirmed that the number of infected individuals has now reached 146. The situation has worsened with one reported fatality - a school-aged child from the outbreak area who was not vaccinated.
Confirmed Infections in Texas Measles Outbreak Rises to 146 With Thousands
Possibly Exposed and One Death So Far
Health officials report that 20 individuals have required hospitalization due to severe complications. A majority of the cases, 116, involve children under 18 years old, with Gaines County being the hardest-hit area, accounting for 98 infections. Due to measles being highly contagious, experts warn that the outbreak is likely to expand further, potentially affecting thousands more in surrounding communities.
This
U.S. Medical News report highlights the latest updates on the situation, including the official case count and vaccination status of those affected.
Widespread Cases Across Counties
The outbreak has spread across multiple counties in Texas. Gaines County has recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Terry County, which has reported 21 cases. Other counties affected include Dallam, Dawson, Ector, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, and Yoakum, with varying case numbers.
Who is Affected?
Measles is impacting people of all ages. Among the confirmed cases, 46 individuals are between the ages of 0 and 4, while 70 cases are in children aged 5 to 17. There are also 25 adults who have tested positive, with five additional cases still pending classification.
Vaccination Status of Infected Individuals
A concerning trend has emerged regarding vaccination status. Among the 146 confirmed cases, 79 individuals were not vaccinated. Another 62 have an unknown vaccination status, either because investigations are still ongoing or because the individuals themselves do not know their immunization history. Only five people among the infected had received at least one dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Health officials emphasize that the MMR vaccine remains the most effective defense against measles. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the vaccine, which provide over 97% protection against the virus. In cases where unvaccinated individuals have been exposed, an immediate MMR shot within 72 hours can help reduce the severity of symptoms.
Federal Response to the Outbreak
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has acknowledged the severity of the Texas measles outbreak and has pledged government assistance. Speaking on Friday, Kennedy stated that controlling the outbreak is a "top priority" and assured that federal resources, including vaccines, are being provided. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is dispatching 2,000 doses of the MMR vaccine to Texas through
its immunization program to curb further spread.
Kennedy’s response has drawn significant attention, given his long-standing skepticism about vaccines. He has previously raised concerns over vaccine safety but maintains that he is not "anti-vaccine" and does not seek to prevent Americans from receiving immunizations.
The First U.S. Measles Death in a Decade
The first confirmed death from measles in the United States in over ten years occurred this past week. A young child, who was unvaccinated, succumbed to complications arising from the infection. The tragic incident has reignited discussions on vaccine efficacy and the risks associated with declining immunization rates.
The U.S. CDC has reiterated its stance on the importance of vaccination, warning that the outbreak could worsen if parents continue to opt out of vaccinating their children. Government data indicates that 95% of the infected individuals in this outbreak were either unvaccinated or had received only one of the two required MMR doses, underscoring the crucial role vaccines play in preventing measles.
What Comes Next?
Health officials continue to urge the public to stay vigilant, get vaccinated, and follow guidelines to contain the outbreak. Given how quickly measles spreads - through coughs, sneezes, and even lingering airborne particles - officials warn that additional cases are inevitable. Efforts are being intensified to track potential exposures, particularly in schools and public places where thousands may have come into contact with the virus.
The Texas DSHS will provide updates on the outbreak every Tuesday and Friday as investigations progress. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to ensure they and their families are fully vaccinated and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a distinctive rash.
Conclusion
The Texas measles outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and public health measures in preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases. With 146 confirmed infections, thousands potentially exposed, and one tragic death already reported, the situation remains serious. Health experts and federal agencies are actively working to contain the outbreak, but the public's cooperation in getting vaccinated and staying informed is critical.
The latest updates from the Texas Department of Health Services can be found here:
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-feb-28-2025
For the latest
U.S. Medical News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/test-positivity-rate-for-influenza-in-maine-remains-at-29-percent-with-a-total-of-42-flu-deaths-so-far
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/flu-infections-remain-high-in-illinois-with-positivity-rate-of-25-7-percent-but-hmpv-and-covid-19-infections-slowly-rising
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/flu-kills-900-americans-in-california-with-current-test-positivity-rate-at-23-3-percent
https://www.thailandmedical.news/pages/thailand_doctors_listings
Share
Tweet
Share
