Measles on the Move: Texas and New Mexico Face Ongoing Outbreak

Measles is causing trouble in West Texas and New Mexico. It has been two months since the outbreak started, and it is still spreading. Health officials think it will keep going for many more months. They also believe the actual number of cases is higher than reported. But there is some good news. More people are getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine this year compared to last year. Pharmacies are also seeing more people asking for the MMR shot. As of the latest count, Texas has 309 measles cases and one death. New Mexico has 42 cases and one death. Forty-two people have been hospitalized in total. The outbreak is mostly happening in undervaccinated Mennonite communities in Texas. Studies show that similar outbreaks in Amish communities lasted about six to seven months. So, this outbreak could go on for a year. The outbreak is not just in one place. It has spread to 14 Texas counties, two New Mexico counties, and even reached Oklahoma. Measles is very contagious. It can spread easily and stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. This makes it hard to control. Experts say the outbreak could last another couple of months, but it could start again if it spreads to another community. There is a concern that the outbreak could last until next January. If that happens, it would mean the U. S. has not eliminated measles. The U. S. Health and Human Services Secretary has made comments that have caused confusion about the measles vaccine. The vaccine has been safely used for over 60 years and is very effective. The vaccine is safe and effective, but some people are still hesitant to get it. Vaccination rates are up in Texas and New Mexico. In New Mexico, more than 11, 600 measles vaccines were given out this year compared to 6, 500 last year. In Texas, at least 173, 000 doses were given out this year compared to 158, 000 last year. However, health officials would like to see even more people getting vaccinated, especially in the areas where the outbreak started. The vaccination rate in Gaines County, Texas, is only 82%, which is far below the 95% needed to stop the spread. A pharmacist in the area said that getting people to take the vaccine has been a challenge.