Measles Outbreak in West Texas Claims First Death in US Since 2015

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The recent measles outbreak in West Texas has claimed its first death, marking the first measles-related death in the US since 2015. The outbreak, which has grown to 124 cases across nine counties, has raised concerns over declining vaccination rates and the spread of misinformation about vaccines. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the death was a "school-aged child who was not vaccinated" and had been hospitalized last week. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that this is the first measles death in the country since 2015.

The outbreak is largely spreading in the Mennonite community in West Texas, where small towns are separated by vast stretches of oil rig-dotted open land but connected due to people traveling between towns for work, church, grocery shopping, and other errands. Texas health department data shows that the vast majority of cases in the area are among people younger than 18. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine — which is safe and highly effective at preventing infection and severe cases — is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old for the first shot, with the second coming between 4 and 6 years old. The vaccine series is required for kids before entering kindergarten in public schools nationwide.

Health experts have expressed concerns over the declining vaccination rates across the US, which have fallen below the 95% threshold set by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The CDC has reported that measles cases were the worst in almost three decades in 2019, and there was a rise in cases in 2024, including an outbreak in Chicago that sickened more than 60. The measles outbreak in West Texas is a prime example of the risk posed to unvaccinated communities, with vaccine exemptions among children in Gaines County, the epicenter of the outbreak, having grown dramatically in the past few years.

Here are some key statistics related to the measles outbreak in West Texas: * 124 cases reported across nine counties * 9 cases reported in eastern New Mexico * 18 people hospitalized so far in the outbreak * 1 death reported, the first measles-related death in the US since 2015 * Nearly 1 in 5 incoming kindergartners in Gaines County did not get the MMR vaccine in the 2023-24 school year * The US has fallen short of the 95% threshold set by the US Department of Health and Human Services for MMR vaccine coverage for four years in a row.

The response to the outbreak in Texas and New Mexico continues, with cases expected to significantly rise. Public health experts are watching the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles. The CDC is providing technical assistance, laboratory support, and vaccines as needed to the Texas Department of State Health Services and New Mexico Department of Health, which are leading the response to the outbreak. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to prioritize vaccination and address the spread of misinformation about vaccines to prevent further outbreaks and protect public health.