An alarming measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has resulted in the first reported U.S. child fatality from the disease since 2015. The outbreak, which began in Gaines County, Texas, has sickened over 130 individuals, most of whom are children under 18. This marks the largest measles outbreak in the region since 2019, when New York experienced two significant outbreaks. Health officials confirm that the deceased child had not received the measles vaccination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation closely. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended condolences to the affected family, stating:
"CDC is aware of the death of one child in Texas from measles, and our thoughts are with the family." – HHS spokesperson
Measles, a highly contagious respiratory disease, was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 due to widespread inoculation with the MMR vaccine. However, vaccination rates have declined over the past five years, with school vaccination rates for the MMR shot falling below the CDC's recommended 95% threshold for preventing outbreaks. Certain areas, like Gaines County, have seen rates plummet to under 82%, contributing to the current outbreak.
Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes emphasized the preventable nature of such tragedies, stating:
"So this is an entirely preventable death. That's the tragedy of it." – Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes
The community of Mennonite ranchers in Gaines County, established in 1977, has seen its population of approximately 23,000 affected by the outbreak. Prior to the widespread availability of vaccines in 1963, measles claimed an estimated 400-500 lives annually and hospitalized around 48,000 people each year.
There have been three measles outbreaks reported this year alone. Despite this concerning trend, some experts like Kennedy suggest that annual outbreaks are not unexpected:
"Not unusual, we have measles outbreaks every year." – Kennedy
The decline in vaccination rates is a pressing concern for health officials. Without widespread vaccination, communities risk experiencing epidemics that can lead to severe consequences. Dr. Kuritzkes warned about the potential outcomes:
"When we don't have widespread vaccination, we risk these epidemics and that unfortunately, epidemics will eventually result in deaths." – Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes
Historically, measles posed a significant threat before vaccinations were available. Dr. Kuritzkes noted the mortality rate during that time:
"During the time before vaccination, measles has a mortality of around 5% and in impoverished areas maybe 20% to 30%." – Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes
