LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — A somber milestone has been reached in the ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas, as a patient who was hospitalized succumbed to the disease. This marks the first fatality since the outbreak began late last month. The confirmation came from Melissa Whitfield, spokesperson for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, on Wednesday. Details about the patient's age remain unclear, as the individual passed away overnight. Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock has yet to provide a comment on the situation.
The measles outbreak in rural West Texas has expanded significantly, with the state health department reporting 124 cases across nine counties as of Tuesday. Additionally, there are nine confirmed cases in eastern New Mexico. The measles virus, a highly contagious respiratory illness, can remain airborne for up to two hours. Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that up to 90% of susceptible individuals will contract the virus if exposed.
While most children will recover from measles, the infection can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death. The current outbreak is predominantly affecting the Mennonite community, which resides in an area characterized by small towns and vast stretches of land dotted with oil rigs. Despite the physical distances, these communities remain connected through daily activities such as work, church, and grocery shopping.
This report has been updated to clarify that the confirmation of the death was provided by Melissa Whitfield of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, rather than a spokesperson for the city of Lubbock. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP maintains full editorial responsibility for the content.
