Measles outbreak grows bigger in rural Texas, and officials say expect more cases
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At least 58 new cases of measles have been reported across northwest Texas in recent weeks, state health officials said Tuesday, in a "highly contagious" outbreak that might be linked to lack of vaccination. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. A bulk of these new cases in rural northwest Texas are in Gaines County with 45 documented incidents of the disease, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
AI Summary
Main Idea: A measles outbreak is growing in rural northwest Texas, and state health officials say more cases are likely, with South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health helping investigate.
Key Points:
- Texas health officials reported 58 new measles cases across several counties in northwest Texas.
- Gaines County has the most cases, and many infections are in school-age children.
- At least 13 people have been hospitalized, and most cases are in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccine status is unknown.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine views are part of the wider backdrop as officials urge people to get the measles shot and expect the outbreak to continue.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
More measles cases can spread to other states, causing sick days, hospital costs, and greater risk for unvaccinated children and families.
Positive Impact
Public warnings from South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health may push more people to get the MMR shot and lower future spread.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Major:Lubbock Public Healthgovernment agency or body
- Major:Robert F. Kennedy Jr.person
- Major:South Plains Public Health Districtgovernment agency or body
Candidate Entities5 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- Lubbock Public Healthgovernment agency or bodyMajorEvaluated
Local public health agency named as part of the outbreak investigation and response.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Robert F. Kennedy Jr.personMajorEvaluated
Newly confirmed health secretary whose vaccine skepticism is discussed in connection with the outbreak.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - South Plains Public Health Districtgovernment agency or bodyMajorEvaluated
Local public health body working with state officials to investigate the outbreak.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Lubbock CountycountyMinorCandidate
Mentioned as one of the counties with a reported case.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Lynn CountycountyMinorCandidate
Mentioned as one of the counties with a reported case.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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