Texas Reports First Measles Death in a Decade Amid Growing Outbreak
A child in Texas has died from measles, marking the first fatality from the highly contagious disease in the United States in over a decade. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed that the school-age child was not vaccinated. This tragic death occurs as Texas battles its largest measles outbreak in nearly 30 years, with over 120 reported cases since late January.
Measles Cases Rising in Neighboring States
New Mexico has also reported nine measles cases as of February 20, with the outbreak concentrated in Lea County, near the Texas border. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed measles cases in multiple states, including Alaska, California, Georgia, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
What is Measles?
Measles, also called rubeola, is one of the most contagious diseases globally. It primarily affects unvaccinated individuals, particularly children under five. Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Tiny white spots in the mouth (appearing three days after initial symptoms)
- A red, blotchy rash spreading from the head downward (developing three to five days after initial symptoms)
How Does Measles Spread?
Measles spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours and infects nine out of ten unvaccinated people exposed. It can also spread through:
- Direct contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, or hugging
- Contaminated surfaces
- Transmission from pregnant women to their babies during pregnancy or breastfeeding
No Cure for Measles – Prevention is Key
There is currently no specific treatment for measles. The best protection is vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provides lifelong immunity for most people. The CDC recommends that children receive:
- The first dose at 12-15 months
- A second dose at 4-6 years old
What’s Causing the Measles Outbreak?
Measles was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, thanks to widespread vaccination. However, cases can re-emerge when unvaccinated travelers bring the virus into the country. The current Texas outbreak is spreading rapidly within an unvaccinated Mennonite community.
According to Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor College of Medicine, “Measles is one of the most highly transmissible viruses, with a single infected individual potentially spreading it to 12-18 unvaccinated people.”
Do Adults Need a Measles Booster?
Most people vaccinated as children do not need a booster. However, the CDC advises revaccination for individuals who received an inactivated measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967, as it was ineffective.
People at higher risk who should verify their immunity include:
- College students
- Healthcare workers
- International travelers
- Women of childbearing age
If vaccination records are unavailable, a simple blood test can confirm immunity. Dr. Céline Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor, recommends getting a booster if unsure, rather than undergoing a blood test.
What Should You Do If Exposed to Measles?
If exposed and unvaccinated, consult a healthcare provider immediately. The CDC recommends post-exposure measures:
- Vaccination within 72 hours of exposure
- Measles immunoglobulin within 6 days for those at high risk
Should People in Non-Outbreak States Be Concerned?
Yes. Due to its high contagion rate, measles can spread quickly. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb warns that states with low vaccination rates, such as Idaho, Alaska, Wisconsin, and Florida, are at increased risk of outbreaks.
Can Vaccinated People Still Get Measles?
While the MMR vaccine is 97% effective with two doses, breakthrough infections can still occur. In the Texas outbreak, five vaccinated individuals contracted measles. However, vaccinated individuals tend to experience milder symptoms.
How Can Measles Outbreaks Be Stopped?
To end an outbreak, high vaccination coverage is crucial. The CDC states that herd immunity requires a vaccination rate of 93-95% to prevent measles from spreading.
Stay Protected – Get Vaccinated
Vaccination remains the best defense against measles. If you or your child haven’t received both doses of the MMR vaccine, now is the time to take action. Contact your healthcare provider for more information on measles prevention and immunization.
