Abdelrahman
Health authorities in two states across the United States are monitoring ongoing measles outbreaks, with reported cases nearing 100 individuals.
The Texas Department of State Health Services disclosed on Friday that there have been 90 confirmed cases in the South Plains region, located in the northwest part of the state, over the past month. Of these, at least 77 cases involve children and teenagers under the age of 17.
In New Mexico, officials confirmed nine cases in Lea County, near the eastern boundary with Texas.
Measles is known for its high contagion rate and potential lethality. These outbreaks have emerged against a backdrop of increasing skepticism towards vaccines in the U.S., particularly concerning the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is predominantly administered during childhood.
Texas health officials suggest that the actual case numbers may be higher, as some parents might not report infections, or may be unaware that their child has contracted the virus.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins University, emphasized the seriousness of the situation to CBS News, stating, “It’s troubling, as this condition is entirely preventable.” She further described measles as “the most contagious infectious disease known to humans.”
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and a distinctive rash. The consequences of a measles infection can be especially severe for pregnant women and young children, leading to complications such as pneumonia, neurological damage, hearing loss, and even death. Survivors may also face a risk of developing a rare, degenerative disease of the brain and nervous system called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most children in the U.S. receive two doses of the measles vaccine, which are 97% effective in providing immunity against the disease. Health experts assert that proper vaccination rates—generally considered to be 95% within a community—could control or even eliminate measles outbreaks.
However, vaccination rates have declined in certain areas over the past few decades due to a loosely connected network of vaccine skeptics raising unfounded concerns about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently appointed as health secretary under former President Donald Trump, faced heavy criticism for his associations with these groups.
While many states mandate the MMR vaccine for school attendance, numerous states, including Texas, permit families to opt-out for non-medical reasons through conscientious exemptions.
For the 2023-2024 school year, federal data indicated that Texas achieved a vaccination rate of 94.3% among kindergarteners, while New Mexico saw a 95% vaccination rate. However, a survey conducted among Texas schools revealed an upward trend in exemptions for the MMR vaccine and other mandatory vaccines.
In Gaines County, where 57 cases were reported in Texas, the rate of exemptions has climbed significantly over the last ten years. State statistics reveal that 17.62% of students had a conscientious exemption to at least one required vaccine during the 2023-2024 school year, compared to 7.45% in the 2013-2014 school year.
Terry County, which reported 20 cases, experienced a rise in exemption rates, going from zero to 3.73% during the same time frame.
Of the 90 reported cases in Texas, officials stated that 85 involved individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was ambiguous. CBS reported that the affected region is home to a sizable Mennonite community, which typically exhibits low vaccination rates due to their religious beliefs.
Yet, some officials are hesitant to take action in this regard. Albert Pilkington, CEO of the adjacent Seminole Hospital District, expressed to the Texas Standard, “We respect everyone’s choice to vaccinate or not, which is a fundamental right in America.”
Vaccination against measles has been a standard practice for American children since 1963. The vaccine was enhanced and combined with those for mumps and rubella about a decade later, and is widely regarded as safe. Before the vaccine was introduced, roughly 48,000 people were hospitalized each year due to measles, with 400 to 500 fatalities. In 2024, the U.S. recorded 285 cases, with 114 resulting in hospitalization.
In a proactive response, New Mexico health officials are organizing a free vaccine clinic this week to increase community protection levels. Similarly, Texas residents are encouraged to consult with their doctors or visit clinics to receive vaccinations if they have not yet done so.
