Measles Outbreak Knocks on Texas and New Mexico’s Door

News Summary

A serious measles outbreak is affecting Texas and New Mexico, with 146 cases reported in Texas and 9 cases in New Mexico. The outbreak has led to 20 hospitalizations and the first measles-related death in the U.S. in ten years. Health experts are sounding the alarm over declining vaccination rates, which could exacerbate the outbreak. Communities are urged to prioritize vaccinations to prevent further spread of this highly contagious disease as schools prepare to welcome students back.

Measles Outbreak Knocks on Texas and New Mexico’s Door

In the warm sun of Texas, a serious measles outbreak has been making waves lately. With a staggering 146 cases already reported and the number growing, folks are getting on high alert. Meanwhile, the neighboring state of New Mexico is not immune either, reporting 9 cases of its own. What’s even more concerning is that this outbreak has led to 20 hospitalizations and, sadly, the first measles-related death in the U.S. in ten years, involving an unvaccinated school-aged child.

The Ghost of Measles Returns

It’s hard to believe that measles, once declared eliminated in the United States back in 2000 thanks to effective vaccination campaigns and public health measures, is making a comeback. Currently, there are 16 measles outbreaks recorded nationwide just this year, and health experts underscore that keeping vaccination rates above 95% is crucial to stamp out this highly contagious disease.

California’s Vaccination Rates Dipping

Over in California, there’s some troubling news as vaccination rates have been on the decline. During the pandemic, kindergarten vaccination rates slipped from over 98% to 95.1% in the 2020-21 school year. Thankfully, people are getting back in gear, with the rates seeing a slight rise to 96.5% by the 2022-23 school year, but that’s still not enough to meet pre-pandemic levels. Alarmingly, the percentage of kindergarteners overdue for vaccinations has risen to 4%, a significant jump from the 1-1.5% seen earlier.

Schools Under Scrutiny

Digging deeper into California’s education system, we find that 54 schools have vaccination rates falling below that critical 95% threshold. In addition, the state health department discovered 375 schools with more than 10% of kindergarten students classified as either conditional or overdue for vaccinations for the upcoming school year. Although California saw only 15 measles cases last year, it is not out of the woods yet, with 4 cases recorded in 2023, including three cases appearing just recently in February.

Local Concerns in Los Angeles and Orange Counties

Locally, Los Angeles County and Orange County are also experiencing their share of troubles, with a case of measles linked to an unvaccinated child returning from international travel. Meanwhile, various communities, especially among Mennonite populations in Texas, are facing heightened dangers with alarmingly low vaccination rates that make them especially vulnerable to outbreaks.

Public Health in Peril

Experts are warning that the recent decline in vaccination rates puts communities at risk and contributes to the serious nature of the ongoing outbreak. While some individuals dismiss the severity of measles, health professionals point out the dangerous complications that can arise from the disease, including pneumonia and encephalitis, both of which pose significant health risks. Indeed, measles spreads incredibly well, so achieving herd immunity requires vaccination coverage rates of over 95%.

Anecdotes from Gaines County

In Texas’ Gaines County, where vaccination exemptions are notably high among school children, the outbreak serves as a stark reminder of how anti-vaccination sentiments can heavily impact public health. Many residents express hesitance to vaccinate, despite witnessing the consequences of measles infections in their own families. This situation highlights the critical need for accurate information about the safety and efficacy of vaccines to counteract the proliferation of misinformation.

The measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico shines a spotlight on the urgent need for communities to prioritize vaccines to safeguard public health. As millions prepare to return to classrooms, the importance of vaccination could not be more clear. By working together and boosting those crucial vaccination rates, communities can do their part to help keep them safe and healthy.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Axios: Kennedy Jr. Measles Outbreak Vaccine
• The Hill: RFK Jr. Texas Measles Outbreak
• Washington Post: Measles Outbreak and Vaccine Hesitancy
• New York Times: Measles Vaccination in Texas
• BBC: Measles Outbreak Report
• Wikipedia: Measles
• Google Search: Measles Outbreak 2025
• Google Scholar: Measles Vaccination
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
• Google News: Measles Outbreak