Texas Measles Outbreak: 327 Cases, Primarily Among Unvaccinated Children

Measles Outbreak in Texas

• 📈 As of today, there are 327 cases of measles being tracked by the Texas Department of Health since late January.
• ⚠️ The majority of these cases are concentrated in the panhandle and South Plains regions.

Gaines County Epicenter

• 📍 The bulk of the cases, 226, are from Gaines County, which has a Mennonite community with low vaccination rates.
• 💔 Tragically, a school-aged child in Gaines County has died from measles.

Patient Demographics and Vaccination Status

• 🧒 The vast majority of patients are children under 17 years old.
• 💉 Nearly all patients are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination statuses.

Public Health Response and Vaccine Availability

• 🗣️ RFK Jr. emphasized the importance of the MMR vaccine for preventing measles and building community immunity.
• 🏥 Houston and Harris County health departments offer MMR vaccines at discounted rates.
• 🆓 The State of Texas is providing free MMR vaccines.
• 🔗 More information is available on kou.com.