Measles Outbreak Update

The measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has reached over 200 cases, as per the latest data from local health departments. This news comes after an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico reportedly died from suspected measles, marking the second death in the current outbreak.

Current Case Numbers

The Texas Department of State Health Services has identified 198 measles cases in West Texas since late January, with 23 patients hospitalized due to the disease. A school-aged child in Texas died of measles last month, which was the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. New Mexico has reported 30 cases of measles during this outbreak, with no hospitalizations so far. The individual who died of suspected measles in New Mexico was not hospitalized before their death.

National Outlook

According to the CDC’s measles information page, there have been 222 cases of measles in the U.S. this year, which does not include the new cases reported in Texas and New Mexico on Friday. Cases have also been identified in other states, including Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington.

Death Toll and Response

When the first new measles death was reported last month, the newly confirmed head of the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., made an offhand comment at the White House that two people had died. Although this claim has not been substantiated, the recent death in New Mexico reported yesterday suggests that there may indeed be a second death, which health authorities are still working to confirm.

Age Breakdown of Cases

Measles is most lethal in young children, but anyone can get the disease and suffer greatly. The age range for cases identified in Texas so far is as follows:

• 0-4 years old: 64 cases
• 5-17 years old: 89 cases
• 18+ years old: 34 cases
• Pending: 11 cases

In New Mexico, the age breakdown is:

• 0-4 years old: 3 cases
• 5-17 years old: 8 cases
• 18+ years: 15 cases
• Pending: 4 cases

Importance of Vaccination

While vaccination is crucial in preventing measles, vaccinated individuals can still get the disease if it’s prevalent in their community. The measles vaccine is about 97% effective after two doses, and herd immunity for measles is generally achieved at around 95% vaccination. Currently, only 11 states in the U.S. have achieved herd immunity for measles, according to a map on the CDC’s website.

Prevention and Treatment

Some Americans claim that consuming enough vitamin A can prevent measles, a claim also made by Secretary Kennedy. However, the best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. If you received the MMR vaccine as a child but are concerned about your immunity, consult your doctor about ordering a titer test.

State Response

With Secretary Kennedy refusing to explicitly endorse vaccination as a way to fight measles, states are taking the lead in promoting vaccination. Dr. Chad Smelser, New Mexico’s deputy state epidemiologist, emphasized that "the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against this serious disease."