Texas Measles Outbreak Spreads Across Nine Counties, First U.S. Death in a Decade Confirmed

Texas health officials have reported that 146 individuals, mostly children, have contracted measles in nine counties since January. Over 20 individuals have been admitted to the hospital, and all of them were unvaccinated.

A heartbreaking event has occurred, as a young unvaccinated child in Lubbock passed away during treatment, representing the first measles-related death in the U.S. in a decade.

Concerns have been heightened in Central Texas following the visit of an infected individual from West Texas to San Marcos and New Braunfels around Valentine's Day. Dr. Elizabeth Douglass, an infectious disease expert at Dell Medical School at UT Austin, states that measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. "She stated that if you're unvaccinated, 90% of individuals exposed will become ill." Fever, headache, runny nose, and rash are among the symptoms observed. In severe instances, measles may lead to pneumonia or brain infections.

The virus exhibits an extended incubation period from 6 to 21 days. People can transmit measles as early as five days before the onset of symptoms and continue to be contagious for four days following the emergence of a rash.

Dr. Douglass highlighted that two doses of the measles vaccine offer 97% immunity, and individuals vaccinated during childhood generally do not need booster shots. Individuals vaccinated with an older, less effective version of the vaccine in the 1960s may want to consider obtaining an updated dose.

Most cases of measles necessitate supportive care; however, severe infections in young children may be addressed with antivirals or immunoglobulin. As worries about the outbreak increase, health officials encourage unvaccinated individuals to receive their immunizations promptly. "Receiving an extra vaccine poses no risk," Dr. Douglass assured.

Health authorities are actively monitoring the outbreak and urging the public to stay alert to prevent the spread of the disease.