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Burke: As West Texas measles outbreak worsens, experts fear vaccine exemptions will make them more common
Houston Chronicle
As a West Texas measles outbreak continues to worsen, experts are concerned an increase in nonmedical vaccine exemptions among schoolchildren could make such outbreaks more common.
Twenty-four cases of the highly contagious respiratory illness have been confirmed in Gaines County, all of them in individuals who have not received the vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Twenty-two cases are children under age 18, and six are children under age 5, Texas Department of State Health Services said Tuesday. read more…
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ALERT – The Immunization Partnership (TIP) Response to Gaines County Measles Outbreak
What We Know – Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Reports (as of Feb 12):
• 24 cases of measles confirmed in Gaines County / All cases are among unvaccinated individuals
• Age breakdown: 0-4 years (6 cases), 5-17 years (16 cases), 18+ years (2 cases)
• 9 hospitalizations
• DSHS has also confirmed measles cases in Terry County (exact number unknown).
Gaines County has one of the lowest childhood vaccination rates in Texas. In the 2023-2024 school year, Gaines County had the lowest kindergarten MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination rate (81.97%) among several West Texas counties, significantly trailing behind Lubbock (92.95%), Ector (Odessa) (91.28%), and Midland (94.77%). At least 95% vaccination coverage is needed to prevent measles outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations. (CDC, WHO).