The cases of the current measles outbreak declared at the beginning of the year in Texas now total 683, according to the state's Department of Health. Although Gaines, the western county where the outbreak originated, still accounts for almost 60% of the infections, the Department of Health has not detected any new infections there since last Tuesday. Instead, today the first cases have been announced in the counties of Eastland, Upshur, and Hardeman.
In total, the outbreak has increased by 20 new cases since last Tuesday, and since the first detection of the outbreak on January 23, 89 of the infected individuals have had to be hospitalized. There are 29 Texas counties currently affected by measles, and the outbreak has so far claimed the lives of two minors, none of whom were vaccinated.
In a context marked by declining vaccination rates, the current outbreak has primarily affected unvaccinated individuals, who make up 95% of those infected. 65% of confirmed cases affect individuals under 18 years old. Texas is facing the most severe measles outbreak, a highly contagious disease. Nationwide, since the beginning of the year, 935 cases have been reported in 30 of the 50 states, with 96% of them in unvaccinated individuals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles could spread even more due to the decline in community immunity levels, which could lead to the reappearance of diseases such as rubella or polio if vaccination rates continue to decrease. A study from Stanford University highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent future outbreaks and ensure the eradication of infectious diseases in the country.
