The fast-growing measles outbreak continues to impact lives across Texas, reaching alarming levels as it now affects newborn babies at a hospital in West Texas. Infants as young as three days old are receiving critical antibody injections aimed at bolstering their immune systems against this highly contagious virus, as reported by NBC News.
Hospital staff at University Medical Center Children’s Hospital in Lubbock are reportedly scrambling to manage the fallout after new mothers, their newborns, and families were exposed to the measles virus on Wednesday, March 12. According to NBC, a woman who gave birth at the hospital was unknowingly infected with measles, and it wasn't until she was admitted for labor that doctors became aware of her condition.
As a result, others at the facility were exposed to the virus, which is recognized as one of the most contagious diseases globally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that measles can lead to severe health complications, particularly in children under the age of five, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures in medical settings.
In response to the potential exposure, medical staff have initiated emergency protocols, including mandatory masking and administering injections of immunoglobulin to newborns as young as three days old. This treatment is designed to help these vulnerable infants combat infections effectively. A study conducted in 2021 indicated that this therapy is highly effective in safeguarding exposed newborns from the virus.
As the situation unfolds, the precise number of individuals exposed to the virus remains unconfirmed. It is also unclear when the mother tested positive for measles. Health officials are actively working to reach out to anyone who might have come into contact with the infected patient, as the virus can survive in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.
The measles outbreak in Texas has now expanded to affect 11 counties, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Recent reports have linked the outbreak to a fatality in New Mexico and additional cases in Oklahoma, as confirmed by health departments in both states. As of Friday, March 14, Texas has recorded a total of 259 cases, marking a significant rise from 223 cases reported on Tuesday, March 11.
This ongoing situation underscores the critical need for vaccination and public health awareness to curb the spread of measles. Families are encouraged to stay informed about the risks and symptoms associated with this disease to protect themselves and their children.
