Measles Outbreak Expands to Central Texas: Five States Now Affected

In a concerning development, the measles outbreak in the United States has now reached Central Texas, marking the first time this region has reported cases. States including Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico disclosed new cases this week, as the total number of measles infections across the country surpasses the figures recorded in all of 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This outbreak has raised alarms among health officials, particularly due to the virus’s ability to spread in communities with low vaccination rates. In fact, the World Health Organization linked the outbreak in Texas to increasing cases of measles in Mexico, suggesting international spread as a potential factor.

Currently, the CDC defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. Other affected states include New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma, with significant reporting of cases indicating a growing trend.

Breakdown of Cases by State

Texas: Over the past week, Texas reported 22 new cases, leading to a total of 422 cases spread across 19 counties, primarily in West Texas. Notably, Erath and Brown counties have recorded their first cases. There have been 42 hospitalizations since the outbreak began. Tragically, two unvaccinated individuals, one a school-age child and the other an adult, have died from measles-related complications.

New Mexico: This state confirmed four additional measles infections, bringing its total to 48. Most cases are concentrated in Lea County, where two individuals were hospitalized. The state's health officials have linked these new cases back to the Texas outbreak through genetic testing.

Kansas: As of Wednesday, Kansas reported 24 measles cases across six counties, primarily in the south-west region. The initial case linked to Texas was identified in Stevens County, but the source of exposure remains unknown.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma recorded one new measles case recently, totaling eight confirmed and two probable cases connected to the outbreaks in West Texas and New Mexico.

Ohio: A new case was reported this week in Allen County, while previous outbreaks in the state last year affected 85 individuals.

Additionally, measles cases have been reported in various other states including Alaska, California, Florida, and New York, indicating the widespread nature of this outbreak.

Vaccination and Prevention

The CDC emphasizes that the most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The recommended schedule includes the first dose for children at 12 to 15 months and the second between ages 4 and 6. As outbreaks intensify, health officials suggest those at high risk consider a booster shot, especially if they were vaccinated many years ago.

Tighter vaccination controls have become increasingly important, especially as communities continue to grapple with the rising number of cases. In 2019, the U.S. faced 1,274 cases and nearly lost its measles elimination status.

Understanding Measles Symptoms

Measles begins by affecting the respiratory tract and can result in severe health complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and, in some cases, death. Initial symptoms include high fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by a telltale rash.

As the situation continues to develop, health officials urge communities to maintain high vaccination rates to prevent the ongoing spread of this highly contagious virus.

Stay informed and keep your vaccinations up to date! The safety of your community depends on it.