Texas is facing a serious measles outbreak, with 25 new cases reported in just five days. This brings the total number of cases in the state to 223. Health officials are very concerned as Texas has recorded the first measles death in the U.S. in a decade. So far, about 13% of those diagnosed have needed hospitalization. Most of the patients are either unvaccinated or have unclear vaccination status.
The outbreak is particularly bad in Gaines County, a rural area where around one in five children has not received vaccinations. The situation has also affected neighboring New Mexico, where officials are looking into a death possibly linked to measles. Some cases in the U.S. have been traced back to international travel.
To help manage the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent a team of experts to Texas after a request from the state health department. The CDC recently issued a warning for travelers heading to areas affected by the outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. They advised people to consult their doctors before traveling and to watch for measles symptoms for three weeks after their visit.
Measles is highly contagious but can be prevented with the MMR vaccine, which is over 90% effective after just one dose. As the outbreak continues, health authorities are urging everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities.