Texas Announces End to Measles Outbreak

The Texas measles outbreak that sickened 762 people since late January is over, state health officials said Monday.

Health authorities report no new measles cases in the affected counties for over 42 days, surpassing the duration used to conclude measles outbreaks. According to state records, the final outbreak-associated case in Texas occurred on July 1.

This year, two young children in Texas succumbed to the virus, and 100 individuals required hospitalization during the outbreak. The outbreak was traced back to cases in Canada and Mexico, subsequently spreading to additional U.S. states.

The United States is experiencing its highest number of measles cases in more than 30 years, with 1,356 reported as of August 5. Across the country, childhood vaccination rates against measles are decreasing, as more parents are seeking exemptions from school vaccination mandates.

For several months, West Texas was identified as a major center for measles in the nation. The virus circulated largely within closely-knit, under-vaccinated Mennonite communities located in Gaines County.

State officials plan to continue monitoring the emergence of new cases. Prior to the outbreak, most medical professionals in Texas had rarely encountered a measles case due to its rarity, noted Jennifer Shuford, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services.

She credited testing, vaccination, monitoring and education with helping to end the outbreak.

“I want to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of public health workers throughout the state who played a crucial role in controlling one of the most infectious viruses,” Shuford mentioned in an official statement.

Measles causes a rash and respiratory symptoms that can lead to severe complications or death. It is prevented by the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which is recommended for young kids before they start school.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.