First Death Reported in West Texas Measles Outbreak as Cases Rise

A Growing Health Crisis in Rural Communities

A person hospitalized with measles in West Texas has died, marking the first fatality in an outbreak that began late last month, health officials confirmed Wednesday.

Measles, a highly contagious respiratory virus, can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will contract it. While most children recover, the infection can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death.

Death Confirmed as Outbreak Spreads

Melissa Whitfield, a spokesperson for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, confirmed the death but did not disclose the patient’s age. The individual passed away overnight, marking a significant escalation in the outbreak.

Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the case.

Over 120 Cases Across Texas and New Mexico

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported Tuesday that the outbreak has grown to 124 cases across nine counties. Additionally, eastern New Mexico has reported nine cases, raising concerns about the virus spreading across state lines.

Health officials say the outbreak is concentrated within the Mennonite community, where small rural towns are connected by frequent travel for work, church, and daily errands. Gaines County, which has recorded 80 cases, has one of the highest vaccine exemption rates in Texas, with nearly 14% of K-12 students opting out of at least one required immunization during the 2023-24 school year.

Texas Faces Largest Measles Outbreak in Decades

State health data indicates that the majority of measles cases are in individuals under 18. This outbreak is now the largest Texas has experienced in nearly 30 years, underscoring growing concerns about declining vaccination rates and the rapid spread of preventable diseases.

Health officials urge parents and communities to ensure vaccinations are up to date to prevent further cases and protect those most vulnerable to complications.

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