U.S. State Records 48 Cases in Most Severe Measles Outbreak in Nearly Three Decades
Measles outbreak in a U.S. state reaches 48 cases, marking the most severe incidence in nearly three decades.
TroibNews 
The ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas has surged to 48 cases, primarily affecting children and teenagers, marking the state's most significant outbreak in nearly three decades.
In a news release on Friday, state health officials reported that the majority of those infected are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. Thirteen individuals have required hospitalization.
The cases are largely centered in a "close-knit, undervaccinated" Mennonite community, as noted by Texas Department of State Health Services spokesperson Lara Anton. She explained that due to the region's rural nature, many families opt for small private schools or homeschooling for their children.
Anton elaborated, "The church isn't the reason that they're not vaccinated. It's all personal choice and you can do whatever you want. It's just that the community doesn't go and get regular health care."
To combat the outbreak, the state is collaborating with local health officials to enhance screening and vaccination initiatives. They are also focusing on educating school officials about recognizing measles symptoms and encouraging families to vaccinate their children.
Measles is an extremely contagious virus that can remain airborne for up to two hours. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 9 out of 10 susceptible individuals will contract the virus upon exposure. Prior to the introduction of the vaccine in 1963, the annual incidence of measles in the U.S. was estimated at 3 million to 4 million cases. In contrast, typical annual cases are now fewer than 200.
A notable increase in measles cases occurred in the U.S. during 2024, including an outbreak in Chicago that affected more than 60 people.
Vaccination against measles, which involves a two-shot series, is mandated for most U.S. kindergarteners to enroll in public school.
Texas law provides an exemption from school vaccinations based on personal beliefs, including religious convictions. Over the past decade, the percentage of children with such exemptions has risen from 0.76 percent in 2014 to 2.32 percent last year, as indicated by state data.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
In a news release on Friday, state health officials reported that the majority of those infected are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. Thirteen individuals have required hospitalization.
The cases are largely centered in a "close-knit, undervaccinated" Mennonite community, as noted by Texas Department of State Health Services spokesperson Lara Anton. She explained that due to the region's rural nature, many families opt for small private schools or homeschooling for their children.
Anton elaborated, "The church isn't the reason that they're not vaccinated. It's all personal choice and you can do whatever you want. It's just that the community doesn't go and get regular health care."
To combat the outbreak, the state is collaborating with local health officials to enhance screening and vaccination initiatives. They are also focusing on educating school officials about recognizing measles symptoms and encouraging families to vaccinate their children.
Measles is an extremely contagious virus that can remain airborne for up to two hours. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 9 out of 10 susceptible individuals will contract the virus upon exposure. Prior to the introduction of the vaccine in 1963, the annual incidence of measles in the U.S. was estimated at 3 million to 4 million cases. In contrast, typical annual cases are now fewer than 200.
A notable increase in measles cases occurred in the U.S. during 2024, including an outbreak in Chicago that affected more than 60 people.
Vaccination against measles, which involves a two-shot series, is mandated for most U.S. kindergarteners to enroll in public school.
Texas law provides an exemption from school vaccinations based on personal beliefs, including religious convictions. Over the past decade, the percentage of children with such exemptions has risen from 0.76 percent in 2014 to 2.32 percent last year, as indicated by state data.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
