First measles death reported in Texas amid largest outbreak in decades

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
26 Feb 2025 21:36

Gaines County has emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak, reporting 80 cases, with the majority occurring within a rural Mennonite community known for low vaccination rates.

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Covenant Children's Hospital is pictured from outside the emergency entrance on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas (AP Photo/Mary Conlon)

Health officials in Texas have confirmed the first death linked to a measles outbreak affecting the South Plains and Panhandle regions. The victim, a school-aged child who had not been vaccinated, passed away in Lubbock after testing positive for the disease.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the outbreak has resulted in 124 confirmed cases across nine counties since it began in late January. The majority of those affected are children, with 18 people requiring hospitalization due to complications from the highly contagious virus.

Gaines County has emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak, reporting 80 cases, with the majority occurring within a rural Mennonite community known for low vaccination rates. The outbreak has also spread into eastern New Mexico, with nine cases confirmed in Lea County.

Health officials have identified the virus strain as the D8 genotype, commonly found in South and Southeast Asia. Investigations suggest that the outbreak likely originated from international travel, highlighting the risks of measles importation in communities with low vaccination coverage.

Authorities have expressed concern about the potential for more cases to emerge in the impacted areas as well as in neighboring communities. They are urging residents to take preventive measures, including vaccination, to curb the spread of the disease. Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are approximately 97% effective in preventing infection.

Earlier today, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. responded to questions about the escalating measles outbreak in West Texas, which has resulted in at least one death, by stating, "We have measles outbreaks every year."