Synopsis
The Texas Department of State Health Services reports 561 confirmed measles cases, with 20 new cases in the past five days. Hospitalizations have occurred, and health officials warn of potential further outbreaks, particularly in under-vaccinated communities. Measles remains a serious concern, with the CDC reporting 712 cases nationwide this year.Key Takeaways
- 561 measles cases confirmed in Texas.
- 20 new cases reported recently.
- 58 patients hospitalized.
- 97% of cases in unvaccinated individuals.
- Potential risk of losing measles elimination status.
Houston, April 15 (NationPress) A total of 561 measles cases have been reported in Texas, the second largest state in the US, as the outbreak continues to escalate across the country, according to data released by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
In the last five days alone, there have been 20 new cases, with at least 58 patients hospitalized due to measles, as stated by the DSHS.
The DSHS warned on Tuesday, "Given the highly contagious nature of this illness, further cases are likely to emerge in the affected areas and in nearby communities."
As of Friday, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 712 measles cases this year across at least 24 states, with roughly 97 percent of those cases involving individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status remains uncertain.
Last month, Texas public health officials indicated that the outbreak could persist for months, potentially throughout the year, highlighting that communities with below-average immunization rates are the most severely impacted, according to Xinhua news agency.
Experts caution that if the outbreak continues, the United States may risk losing its measles elimination status, which was achieved in 2000.
The World Health Organization defines measles as a highly contagious viral infection spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact. It spreads rapidly when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, leading to serious health complications and even fatalities.
While measles can affect anyone, it is particularly prevalent among children.
The disease infects the respiratory system and disseminates throughout the body. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a widespread rash.
Any non-immune individual (either unvaccinated or vaccinated without developing immunity) is at risk of infection. Unvaccinated young children and pregnant women face the greatest risk of severe complications from measles.
Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing measles and its transmission to others. The vaccine is safe and equips the body to combat the virus.
Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, significant epidemics occurred approximately every two to three years, resulting in an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually.
In 2023, approximately 107,500 people succumbed to measles, predominantly children under five, despite the presence of safe and affordable vaccines.
By 2023, around 74 percent of children received both doses of the measles vaccine, while about 83 percent of children globally received their first dose before their first birthday.
To ensure immunity and prevent outbreaks, two doses of the vaccine are recommended, as not all children develop immunity from the initial dose.
