Confirmed Measles Cases Surges to 90 in Texas with 16 Hospitalized and Hundreds Exposed
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 22, 2025 11 hours, 3 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News:
Texas Faces Growing Measles Outbreak with Nearly 100 Cases
Texas is currently grappling with a serious measles outbreak, as the number of confirmed cases has surged to 90, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Health officials warn that this number is expected to climb in the coming weeks due to the highly contagious nature of the virus.
Confirmed Measles Cases Surges to 90 in Texas with 16 Hospitalized and Hundreds Exposed
The outbreak, which began in late January, has already led to 16 hospitalizations. Authorities report that only five of the affected individuals had received vaccinations, while the remaining cases involved either unvaccinated individuals or those with an unknown vaccination status. This
U.S. Medical News report highlights the severity of the situation, urging Texans to take necessary precautions to prevent further spread.
Where Is the Outbreak Concentrated?
The majority of cases have been reported in Gaines County, which accounts for 57 infections. Other counties affected include Terry County (20 cases), Dawson County (6 cases), Yoakum County (4 cases), Ector County (1 case), Lubbock County (1 case), and Lynn County (1 case). This widespread distribution raises concerns that the virus may continue to spread rapidly across the region.
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-feb-21-2025
Health officials are actively conducting contact tracing to identify those who may have been exposed to the virus. With hundreds, if not thousands, potentially exposed, public health workers are racing against time to contain the outbreak.
Who Is Most Affected?
The outbreak is impacting a wide range of age groups, though children appear to be the most vulnerable. According to reports, 51 cases have been recorded in children aged 5 to 17, while 26 cases involve children between 0 and 4 years old. Adults have also been affected, but to a lesser extent.
The Dangers of Measles and Its Symptoms
Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and contact with infected surfaces. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours, making it easy for individuals to contract it in shared spaces.
Symptoms usually appear 10 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body. In severe cases, measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death, particularly in young children and immunocompromised individuals.
Vaccination and Prevention Measures
Health experts emphasize that vaccination is the best defense against measles. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
is highly effective, with a 97% success rate after two doses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose at 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years.
Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status are also encouraged to get immunized. While breakthrough infections can occur in vaccinated individuals, they tend to be much milder and less likely to spread the virus further.
Measles Cases Reported in Other States
The outbreak is not limited to Texas. Neighboring New Mexico has also reported a small outbreak, with at least nine confirmed cases in Lea County, which borders Texas. Additionally, the CDC has recorded measles cases in Alaska, Georgia, New York City, and Rhode Island, bringing the total number of reported cases in the United States to 14 as of early February.
The Role of Pharmacists in Vaccination Efforts
Studies show that pharmacists play a crucial role in increasing vaccination rates during outbreaks. Research has indicated that when pharmacists are given full authority to administer vaccines, measles vaccination rates rise significantly.
During the 2019 measles outbreak, community pharmacists were able to administer tens of thousands of additional MMR vaccines, helping to curb the spread of the disease. However, some states still limit pharmacists' ability to provide these critical vaccinations, potentially hindering rapid response efforts during outbreaks.
Conclusion
The rapid increase in measles cases in Texas is a serious public health concern. With 90 confirmed cases and more expected, health officials are urging the public to take preventive measures, particularly by ensuring that they and their children are vaccinated. The outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of immunization in preventing the resurgence of diseases that were once nearly eradicated in the United States.
Given how highly contagious measles is, even a small number of unvaccinated individuals can contribute to widespread outbreaks. Parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers must work together to ensure vaccination coverage remains high to protect communities from future outbreaks. As authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
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