ELLIS COUNTY – A measles outbreak in rural west Texas has taken one life as of last week with 146 confirmed cases being reported.
While an email from the Texas Democratic Party said the number was rising every day as of last week, there have been no new cases confirmed as of this paper’s deadline.
It was confirmed the person who died was unvaccinated for measles, a vaccination has been licensed for public use since 1963.
Texas Department of State Health Services reported the outbreak of measles was in the South Plains region of Texas.
A press release stated, “Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities.
“DSHS is working with South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health to investigate the outbreak.”
Ellis County local health authority Dr. Anna Toker said, “There are presently no cases in Ellis County.
“However, measles is very contagious, and the situation is being monitored by Emergency Management.”
Toker said most measles cases originate from foreign travel and she suggested, “Before traveling to any foreign country, please research any current outbreaks that may be occurring there.”
She also said, “Migrants crossing the border are often untested, potentially exposing many Texans.
“If you develop symptoms of Measles (fever and rash), please self-quarantine for four days, keeping hydrated and treating fever with Tylenol.
“Many cold medicines have Tylenol in them, so do not take Tylenol in addition to cold medicine.”
“If you have a fever and rash, and develop fever above 102, neck pain, severe headache, or shortness of breath, you must visit the ER.”
One to two people in 1,000 dies from measles complications, typically due to brain swelling (symptoms including neck ache, headache, and light sensitivity).
Toker said, “Do not assume you are immune to measles. To confirm immunity, you can have your current antibody levels checked by your doctor.”
While some commentators were also stating last week that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was ignoring the measles outbreak, that is untrue.
Kennedy made a call to action regarding the Texas outbreak encouraging parents to consider whether to get their children vaccinated.
While generally a vaccine skeptic, he suggested such a decision is “personal” but, he added vaccines for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) are “crucial to avoiding potentially deadly disease.”
Kennedy also said regarding the Texas measles outbreak of 146 individuals, 79 cases were unvaccinated individuals, 62 cases were individuals with unknown vaccination status and five cases were vaccinated individuals.
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