Texas Measles Outbreak Highlights Vaccine Importance Despite Some Vaccinated Cases
A measles outbreak in West Texas has resulted in 58 confirmed cases, primarily affecting unvaccinated children aged 5-17, across several counties. Thirteen individuals have required hospitalization, and free vaccination clinics have been established in response. Low MMR vaccination rates, particularly in Gaines County, are contributing factors to the outbreak’s spread, mirroring a national trend of insufficient vaccination coverage. A related outbreak in neighboring New Mexico has also seen eight cases.
John Q. Hosedrinker