CNN
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The number of measles cases associated with the outbreak in West Texas increased to 58. Texas Department of Health.
Most cases are concentrated in Gaines County, where 45 cases are reported. Other surrounding areas are also seeing the spread of the disease. There are nine cases in Terry County, two cases in Yoakum County, one in Lynn County and one in Lubbock County.
Cases are mostly found in children aged 5-17. Most cases are from people who have not been vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, but those who said they were vaccinated had four cases of measles. Other details about these four were not available immediately.
In all cases, symptoms began in the past 3 weeks. Thirteen people are hospitalized.
The local health department in western Texas is hosting free vaccination clinics for the community. At least 95 measles-mumpsulvera (MMR) vaccinations were received at least 95 measles-mumpsulvera (MMR) vaccinations at clinics hosted by the South Plains Public Health District, including Gaines County, according to Zack Holbrooks, executive director of the health district. The clinic has recently expanded its hours to open seven days a week for vaccinations.
Given how infectious measles exists, health officials warn that cases could continue to rise in the area.
Measles is an airborne disease that can cause rashes, fever, red eyes and cough. Severe cases can cause blindness, pneumonia or encephalitis, and swelling of the brain. In some cases, illness can be fatal.
MMR vaccine coverage is particularly low in Gaines County, where nearly one in five kindergarten children between 2023 and 2024 did not administer the vaccine.
Other affected Texas County are below that goal At least 95% of kindergarten children were set up to prevent the outbreak of highly contagious diseases to get two MMR vaccines of the MMR vaccine set up by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Lynn, Lubbock and Yoakum counties all stand at around 92%. data From the Texas Department of Health.
The US has now not reached that threshold for the fourth year in a row.
Eight cases of measles have also been detected in Lee County, New Mexico, which borders Gaines County, Texas, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. The agency has not confirmed any direct contact with the Texas incident.
The five most recent cases reported Tuesday are in a single family in isolation.
Of the eight cases in Lee County, six are unvaccinated. Two other people believe they have been vaccinated, according to Robert Knott, communications director for the state health department. Eight people are not hospitalized.
The New Mexico Health Department is also hosting free vaccination clinics for Lee County.
According to the US, 285 measles cases were reported in the US last year, the most common since 2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Clarification: The story was updated to reflect the self-reporting of four vaccinated Texan patients self-reporting their status, according to the state health department.
