A significant measles outbreak is currently impacting Texas, with reports indicating that approximately two dozen individuals have contracted the virus and nine have been hospitalized in the western region of the state. This surge in cases is primarily seen in areas with declining childhood vaccination rates.

According to local health officials, as of Tuesday, 22 children and two adults—none of whom were vaccinated—have been confirmed with the infection. The outbreak coincides with the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent critic of childhood vaccinations, for the role of the country’s next health secretary. This development has raised concerns among public health experts about the potential for an increase in preventable diseases.

Dr. Cameron Wolfe, an infectious disease specialist at Duke University, expressed that there is a palpable fear that cases like this may become more prevalent.

Currently, the outbreak remains confined to Gaines County, a locality with around 20,000 residents that borders New Mexico. Data from the previous year show that only 82 percent of kindergarteners in the area received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is approximately 10 percentage points below the average vaccination rates across Texas public schools. This statistic is also significantly lower than the federal immunization target of 95 percent for measles.

Vaccination levels have been trending downward across the United States since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, now falling below 93 percent. Federal data estimates that around 280,000 kindergarteners in the country lack documented proof of receiving the MMR vaccine.

Texas law mandates certain vaccinations, including the MMR shot, for school-aged children. However, exemptions can be granted based on “reasons of conscience,” which may include personal or religious beliefs.

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