The New Mexico Department of Health reported on Thursday that a deceased man in Lea County, a region experiencing a small measles outbreak, tested positive for the virus. This area is adjacent to Texas, which is currently grappling with a significant outbreak that has expanded to 159 reported cases. The man’s official cause of death remains under investigation, and 18 individuals infected with the virus have been hospitalized as a result.
Key Facts
The New Mexico health authorities disclosed that the deceased individual was unvaccinated against measles and had not sought medical attention prior to his death. Lea County is the site of all 10 of New Mexico’s confirmed measles cases, as reported by Source New Mexico. This county is located approximately 47 miles from Gaines County, Texas, where over 100 cases have been confirmed.
As of Tuesday, the Texas Department of State Health Services indicated that the outbreak there has grown to 159 cases, with 22 of those infected requiring hospitalization. Alarmingly, just five of the infected individuals were vaccinated; the majority of cases (80) are unvaccinated, while vaccination status remains unknown for 74 patients. On February 26, Melissa Whitfield, a spokesperson for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, confirmed that an unvaccinated school-age child had died from measles, the first such fatality linked to this outbreak. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, initially downplayed the outbreak but later acknowledged its significant impact.
Where Is the Measles Outbreak in Texas?
Of the measles cases reported in Texas, approximately 107 are situated in Gaines County, a rural region west of Lubbock. The remainder of the cases are spread across Terry County (22), Dawson County (9), Yoakum County (7), Dallam County (4), Martin County (3), Lubbock County (3), Ector County (2), and Lynn County (2).
What Age Groups Are Affected by the Measles Outbreak in Texas?
The outbreak predominantly affects school-age children, with 74 cases reported in the 5 to 17 age group. Additionally, 53 cases have affected children aged zero to four, and there have been 27 infections among adults over 18. The ages of five patients are currently unspecified.
Are There Outbreaks in Other States?
Yes, alongside the situation in Texas, New Mexico has confirmed 10 measles cases in Lea County, adjacent to Texas. Additionally, from one to nine cases have been documented in states including California, Alaska, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. Local outlets report at least one confirmed measles case in Florida.
What Are Measles Symptoms?
Common symptoms of measles include fever, rash, cough, fatigue, runny nose, and red eyes, which generally manifest 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
How Contagious Is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread effectively, with one infected person potentially exposing nine out of ten close contacts. An infected individual can transmit the virus four days before and four days after displaying a rash. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and via contaminated surfaces.
Is There a Measles Vaccine?
Yes, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is available and is considered highly effective, with approximately 97% effectiveness after two doses and 93% after a single dose. The vaccine is generally administered to children, with the first dose given between 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose given between four to six years old. Adults uncertain about their vaccination status can safely receive the vaccine, and those vaccinated before 1968 are advised to consider revaccination.
What Has RFK Jr. Said About the Measles Outbreak and Vaccination?
RFK Jr. initially characterized the outbreak as “not unusual,” yet later referred to it as “serious,” emphasizing the importance of public health. Although he recognized the role vaccines play in community immunity, he refrained from explicitly urging vaccination, asserting that the decision to vaccinate is personal. He has also recommended the use of vitamin A as a treatment for measles, a stance that has raised concerns among health experts who argue it could pose safety risks when replacing standard vaccination practices. Sue Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, criticized reliance on vitamin A over the MMR vaccine as “dangerous and ineffective,” noting that excessive vitamin A can lead to serious health complications.
Crucial Quote
“Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities,” stated the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Key Background
The Texas measles outbreak commenced in late January with only two cases and has escalated to the highest number of infections seen in Texas in three decades. A report by the Texas Department of State Health Services revealed that 5.64% of kindergarten students and 2.34% of seventh graders in Texas were unvaccinated for measles for the 2023-2024 school year. The CDC confirmed that measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, meaning domestic outbreaks have primarily originated from travelers who contracted the virus abroad. In 2024, a total of 285 measles cases were reported across 33 states.
