Texas health officials have confirmed the state’s first measles-related death as an unvaccinated child succumbed to complications from the disease. The outbreak has surged to 124 cases, prompting urgent calls for vaccinations and preventive measures.
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Texas has had its first death from measles as a result of an outbreak that is spreading quickly and has infected 124 people in nine counties. The school-age child who wasn't vaccinated died from complications from the disease, health officials said at a press meeting on February 26.
Since the spread started in Gaines County at the end of January, there have been a lot more cases all over the South Plains and Panhandle, and 18 people have been hospitalized. None of the hospitalized patients had been vaccinated, which shows how dangerous measles can be for people who don't have protection.
The Chief Medical Officer at Covenant Health Hospital, Dr. Lara Johnson, stressed that the main focus of treatment is supportive care, which may include oxygen therapy for serious cases. However, she made it clear that getting vaccinated is still the best way to stay safe.
Johnson stated, "When we say the vaccine is 93% effective, that means that almost all people who have been vaccinated would not get the illness if exposed." Being vaccinated with the MMR vaccine twice makes it 97% successful, protecting you for life.
An infected person went to San Marcos and San Antonio before learning they were sick, so health officials have also warned of possible exposures outside of West Texas.
As the number of cases continues to rise, health experts are urging people to get vaccinated, since most affected people have not been vaccinated. Some pharmacies, like United and Market Street, are now making it easier for people to get the MMR vaccine to stop the disease from spreading even more.
