First US Measles Death in a Decade During Texas Outbreak
An unvaccinated child in Texas dies from measles, marking the first U.S. death from the disease since 2015 amidst a significant outbreak.
An unvaccinated child has died in the Texas measles outbreak
Associated Press
Overview
An unvaccinated child in Texas, who was hospitalized with measles, has died, making it the first U.S. measles death in nearly a decade. The Texas outbreak has infected at least 124 people, primarily unvaccinated children, highlighting rising cases following declining vaccination rates. Health officials state this outbreak, centered around a less vaccinated community, may contribute to fears of measles resurgence in the U.S., where the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. Calls for vaccination have increased as officials work to control the outbreak.
Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.
Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.
Analysis
- The recent measles outbreak in West Texas has resulted in the first death related to the disease in the United States since 2015, highlighting the risks associated with low vaccination rates, particularly among unvaccinated children.
- Experts report that the outbreak has predominantly affected the unvaccinated population, particularly within the local Mennonite community, where vaccine exemptions are alarming, nearing 18% for the current school year.
- Health officials emphasize the need for vaccinations to combat the resurgence of measles, which was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, calling attention to the dangerous complications of the disease and the need to prioritize public health.
Articles (11)
No highlight available for this article.
HuffPost·4M·No highlight available for this article.
The Guardian·4M·No highlight available for this article.
CNN·4M·No highlight available for this article.
NBC News·4M·No highlight available for this article.
NPR·4M·No highlight available for this article.
Axios·4M·No highlight available for this article.
ABC News·4M·No highlight available for this article.
CBS News·4M·No highlight available for this article.
Associated Press·4M·No highlight available for this article.
CNBC·4M·No highlight available for this article.
BBC News·4M·FAQ
The measles outbreak in Texas has resulted in 124 confirmed cases, with 18 hospitalizations and one death. The outbreak is primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals, particularly in the South Plains region.
This outbreak is significant because it marks the first U.S. measles death in nearly a decade and highlights concerns about declining vaccination rates, which could lead to a resurgence of measles in the U.S., a disease declared eliminated in 2000.
Health officials are tracking exposures, issuing alerts, and emphasizing the importance of vaccination. They are also considering pop-up vaccination locations and educational outreach to control the spread of the disease.
Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash. The virus is highly contagious, surviving in the air for up to two hours, and can infect up to 9 out of 10 susceptible individuals.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.