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The measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has now surpassed 200 cases, marking the largest outbreak in Texas in 30 years. As of Friday (March 7), the Texas Department of State Health Services reported 198 cases in West Texas, primarily centered in Gaines County, with 30 additional cases in New Mexico's Lea County, which borders Gaines County.
The outbreak has led to 23 hospitalizations, mostly involving unvaccinated children, and resulted in the death of a six-year-old child in Texas. Another suspected measles-related death occurred in an adult in Lea County, New Mexico, though the virus has not yet been confirmed as the cause of death.
Health officials are concerned about the potential for further spread, as many people remain untested. Despite hospitals offering free testing and vaccinations, the outbreak highlights the challenges of controlling one of the most contagious viruses known to humans. Gaines County has one of the highest vaccine exemption rates in Texas, at nearly 18%, which has contributed to the rapid spread of the virus.
Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine being 97% effective after two doses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the first dose for children between 12 to 15 months and the second dose between four to six years. Due to the outbreak, the Texas Health Department has advised families to consider an early dose for infants aged six to 12 months.