8 sources·Health

West Texas Measles Outbreak Grows to 48 Cases Amid Vaccine Hesitancy

The measles outbreak in West Texas has reached 48 cases, making it the worst in Texas in nearly 30 years, with cases linked to vaccination hesitancy.

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Measles had been declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, the CDC said.
Measles continues to spread as Texas outbreak rises to 48 cases: Here's what to know
USA TODAY·1M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
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The outbreak is under investigation.
Measles outbreak continues in Texas, cases double: investigation underway
FOX News·1M
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Leans Right
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The outbreak has spread from its epicenter in Gaines County, with single-digit cases in nearby Lynn, Terry and Yoakum counties.
Texas measles outbreak rises to 48 cases. It's the state's worst in nearly 30 years
ABC News·1M
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This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
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Gaines County has one of the highest rates in Texas of school-aged children who opt out of at least one required vaccine, with nearly 14% of K-12 children in the 2023-24 school year.
Measles Outbreak Rises To 48 Cases, Texas's Worst In Nearly 30 Years
HuffPost·1M
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Leans Left
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The outbreak is in a sparsely populated swath of rural Texas, near the New Mexico border, and has spread from its epicenter in Gaines County to include single-digit cases in Lynn, Terry and Yoakum counties.
Texas measles outbreak rises to 48 cases. It's the state's worst in nearly 30 years
Associated Press·1M
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Center
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The outbreak is the most severe Texas has seen in 30 years.
Measles Outbreak Hits Rural Texas, 13 Hospitalized
Newsmax·1M
Mixed Reliable
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Right
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Feb 16th, 2025, 3:05 AM ET

Summary

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The measles outbreak in West Texas has escalated to 48 confirmed cases, the highest in nearly 30 years, largely affecting unvaccinated children and teens. Thirteen individuals have been hospitalized. The outbreak, concentrated in rural Gaines County, is connected to private religious schools and a hesitant Mennonite community. Health officials are ramping up vaccination outreach and screening to combat further spread. A worrying development includes a confirmed case in Lea County, New Mexico, raising alarm about cross-border transmission. Additionally, the percentage of school-aged children opting out of vaccines has increased, complicating public health efforts.

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