Texas is currently facing a significant measles outbreak, with reported cases rising to 48 within just a week. This surge represents the largest outbreak of the virus in the state in nearly three decades, primarily affecting children and teenagers in a “close-knit, under-vaccinated” community.

According to Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), at least 13 individuals have been hospitalized as a result of this outbreak, which is mainly centered in rural Gaines County. Many children in this region either receive homeschooling or attend small private institutions.

Officials anticipate additional cases in Gaines County and neighboring regions due to the highly contagious nature of the virus. Reports also indicate the emergence of cases in New Mexico, according to DSHS.

A staggering 42 of the 48 cases are concentrated in Gaines County, which has one of the highest rates in Texas of school-aged children who opt out of at least one mandatory vaccine, reaching almost 14%, as reported by DSHS. This figure is likely understated, as it does not account for those who are homeschooled.

The number of unvaccinated children in Texas has increased more than threefold over the last ten years, attributed to the state’s policy allowing exemptions for school vaccinations based on personal beliefs, including religious reasons.

However, Anton clarified that religious exemptions are not driving the measles outbreak in Gaines County. “The community’s lack of vaccination is not due to church beliefs. It’s mainly about personal choices and a general reluctance to seek regular healthcare,” she stated.

The DSHS is collaborating with local authorities to implement enhanced screening and vaccination measures in the affected areas. Recently, a clinic organized by the South Plains Public Health District successfully vaccinated 80 individuals.

In addition to the outbreak in Gaines County, DSHS has confirmed cases in Lynn County (one case), Terry County (three cases), and Yoakum County (two cases). Notably, 42 of the reported cases involve individuals under 18 years of age.

This outbreak has surpassed the previous significant incident in Texas in 2013, which recorded 27 cases linked to a traveler from Asia visiting an under-vaccinated community. The current situation aligns closely with the 1996 outbreak, which noted 49 cases in Texas, as per DSHS data.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentioned it sent around 2,000 doses of the measles vaccine to Texas, but these doses have yet to reach the unvaccinated population. The CDC can only send experts to assist in addressing an outbreak if the state requests such support, and to date, no such request has been made by Texas.

Three cases of measles have also been confirmed in Lea County, New Mexico, beginning with an unvaccinated teenager who had no known connection to the Texas outbreak.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who heads the Department of Health and Human Services, has not yet made any public statements regarding the outbreak.

With contributions from Post wire services.