The measles outbreak in western Texas is showing alarming signs of growth, with a reported increase of 25 new cases confirmed over the last five days. This surge has escalated the total number of cases to an alarming 223, as per the latest data released on Tuesday.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), a significant majority of the current cases are found among unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status remains unknown. Specifically, there are 80 confirmed cases in unvaccinated individuals, while 138 cases belong to individuals with an unknown vaccination history. This underscores the critical importance of vaccination in controlling the spread of measles.
In addition to the rising number of cases, the outbreak has led to at least 29 hospitalizations thus far. The data indicates that only five cases have been reported in individuals who have received one dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. This stark contrast highlights the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing severe outbreaks.
This situation is still evolving, and health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak. As more information becomes available, it is crucial for the public to stay informed about the measles outbreak and the importance of vaccination. Please check back for updates as this is a developing story.
