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**Measles Outbreak Leads to School Closures in West Texas**
A rising measles outbreak in West Texas has led to the closure of several private schools. Local health departments are feeling the strain, diverting resources from other essential health services to combat the spread of this highly contagious virus.
As of February 21, the Texas health department has reported 90 confirmed measles cases and 16 hospitalizations, most of which involve individuals under the age of 18. There are also concerns that nine additional cases reported in New Mexico might be related to the outbreak, which originated in Gaines County, Texas. Health officials are currently working to verify this link.
There is apprehension that undetected cases could further complicate the outbreak. “This is the tip of the iceberg,” remarked Rekha Lakshmanan, chief strategy officer at The Immunization Partnership, a nonprofit organization focused on vaccine advocacy in Houston. “I think this is going to get a lot worse before it gets better.” Katherine Wells, public health director in Lubbock, Texas, indicated that some parents might be keeping sick children at home rather than seeking medical attention.
Measles is highly infectious; exposure can lead to infection in nearly all unvaccinated individuals, and the virus can persist in the air for two hours indoors. Infected persons can transmit the virus prior to showing symptoms. The impact of measles can be severe; approximately 1 in 5 infected individuals require hospitalization, 1 in 10 children develop ear infections that could result in permanent hearing loss, and about 1 in 1,000 children may die from related complications.
Gaines County has a significant Mennonite community, which traditionally avoids vaccinations. Albert Pilkington, CEO of the Seminole Hospital District, emphasized respect for individual vaccination choices, a sentiment echoed in many discussions about public health. Local health officials are actively encouraging parents of unvaccinated children to utilize pop-up clinics offering measles vaccinations. Some previously hesitant families are reconsidering their stance as the number of cases rises.
In response to the outbreak, local health departments are deploying mobile testing units outside of schools to detect infections early. They are also providing prophylactic treatment for infants too young to be vaccinated who have been exposed to the virus. Health education is being offered to daycare centers and school nurses on recognizing symptoms of measles. “I am directing 75% of my staff toward this outbreak,” noted Wells, highlighting the urgency of their response.
Health officials are working to identify individuals who may have been exposed in emergency rooms following visits from infected patients. Unfortunately, rural health departments, which are typically underfunded, are facing significant challenges. Wells mentioned that pressing resources into the measles response has temporarily halted other public health programs, including substance abuse education.
According to Zach Holbrooks, executive director of the South Plains Public Health District, unvaccinated children may need to stay home for 21 days if they share spaces with infected individuals, which has contributed to the closure of several private schools due to high absenteeism. The financial burden of managing a measles outbreak can be staggering; a recent outbreak in Washington state with 72 cases incurred costs exceeding $2.3 million, plus additional healthcare expenses and economic losses.
Public health experts expect more frequent measles outbreaks, partly due to recent legislation that allows more exemptions to vaccine mandates in public and private schools. The prevalence of misinformation about vaccines, exacerbated by prominent political figures promoting debunked theories linking vaccines to autism, further complicates vaccination efforts.
As of now, at least 95% vaccination coverage is needed to ensure herd immunity against measles, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated. However, exemptions have increased, with Gaines County reporting exemption rates approaching 20% for the current school year. Such proportions are concerning in light of low vaccination rates, with only 46% of kindergarten students in a local school district vaccinated against measles.
During an outbreak that highlights the risks of lower vaccination rates, Texas lawmakers are contemplating around 25 bills this legislative session that could further complicate vaccination efforts. Lakshmanan urges the public, who largely support vaccination, to advocate against such policies. “We have children ending up in hospitals, and it seems like lawmakers are oblivious to the consequences of their decisions,” she lamented.
This report is produced by KFF Health News, a national newsroom dedicated to in-depth health issue journalism and a critical component of KFF, an independent health policy research, polling, and journalism organization.
**Contact Information:**
For inquiries, please reach out to Amy Maxmen at [email protected].
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