First measles death reported in Texas outbreak; more than 120 now infected
A school-age child in Texas has died after contracting measles, the first death to result from the current outbreak spreading throughout the South Plains region of the state where more than 120 cases have been confirmed so far.
The Texas Department of State Health Services said in a statement Wednesday that an unvaccinated child has died in Lubbock after having been hospitalized for measles the week prior.
The majority of measles cases confirmed in the state have been detected in school-age children, with about 81 percent of measles cases detected in people under 18. Of the 124 people confirmed to have been infected, five are vaccinated.
Among the infected, 18 people have been hospitalized.
The outbreak is spreading in an area with a large community of Mennonites, many of whom reject conventional medicine such as vaccines, though the church itself does not hold an anti-vaccine stance.
In Texas's Gaines County, where the majority of cases have been detected, one school district was found to have a K-12 vaccine exemption rate of 47.95 percent.
Measles is highly transmissible, with one infected individual capable of infecting 9 out of 10 people they encounter. While there are no specific antivirals for measles, the disease can be prevented with one course of a two-dose measles, mumps and rubella vaccination. Most cases will resolve with supportive care, but infections carry the risk of pneumonia and encephalitis that could lead to permanent disabilities.
-
First measles death reported in Texas child as outbreak spreads
Health officials say a child who had not been vaccinated died of measles in West Texas — the first death in an outbreak that has infected more than 120 people.CBS News - 4h -
One death confirmed in Texas measles outbreak
The director of public health in Lubbock, Texas, confirmed that one child has died of measles, the first death related to the disease in the U.S. in a decade. NBC News’ Sam Brock reports on how the ...NBC News - 2h -
More measles cases reported in Texas
Measles cases in Texas from an outbreak in Gaines County are growing. There are now more than 120 cases confirmed. CBS News' Omar Villafranca reports.CBS News - 6h -
Texas measles outbreak grows
A measles outbreak that spread in Gaines County, Texas, slammed a Mennonite community and has grown to around 100 cases, according to health officials. CBS News' Omar Villafranca reports.CBS News - 1d -
Why the Texas measles outbreak was ‘inevitable’
An outbreak of measles is wreaking havoc in the South Plains region of Texas where nearly 60 children have been confirmed to be infected so far. Physicians in the state say the current situation ...The Hill - 5d -
Texas measles outbreak grows to 124
The measles outbreak in west Texas grew to 124 cases over the weekend, with 18 patients requiring hospitalization, the state’s health department said on Tuesday. The cases increased by 34 since ...The Hill - 23h -
Texas measles cases are up, and New Mexico now has an outbreak. Here's what you need to know
The measles outbreak in rural West Texas has grown to 58 cases as of TuesdayABC News - Feb. 18 -
Eye Opener: Measles outbreak in Texas is largest in decades
A measles outbreak in Texas is the largest to hit the state in decades. Also, President Trump's budget advances after a chaotic vote, and Democrats slam what could be deep cuts. All that and all ...CBS News - 5h -
A person dies of measles in West Texas outbreak
A person has died of measles in Texas, the first death from the disease in a decade in the United States.NBC News - 5h
More from The Hill
-
Iran accelerating near-weapons-grade plutonium production: Watchdog
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iran is taking steps to accelerate its near weapons-grade uranium in a broader effort to expand its capability for nuclear warfare, according to ...The Hill - 37m -
Jeffries: Cuomo comeback bid would draw 'a lot' of interest
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said a potential political comeback bid from former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) would draw “a lot” of interest from constituents in the Empire ...The Hill - 37m -
Abortion pill maker enters legal battle over FDA rules
The country’s only manufacturer of generic abortion medication asked to be a part of the first legal fight over the procedure since President Donald Trump returned to office. The company, ...The Hill - 49m -
WHCA head: Public 'can no longer trust' pool reports under White House control
The head of the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) says the public can no longer trust pool reports now that the reporters included in the small group will be controlled by President ...The Hill - 59m -
Supreme Court appears sympathetic toward straight woman’s ‘reverse discrimination’ case
The Supreme Court on Wednesday appeared to lean toward reviving a straight woman’s “reverse discrimination” case brought over claims she was passed over for a promotion and demoted in favor of gay ...The Hill - 1h
More in Politics
-
Iran accelerating near-weapons-grade plutonium production: Watchdog
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iran is taking steps to accelerate its near weapons-grade uranium in a broader effort to expand its capability for nuclear warfare, according to ...The Hill - 37m -
Jeffries: Cuomo comeback bid would draw 'a lot' of interest
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said a potential political comeback bid from former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) would draw “a lot” of interest from constituents in the Empire ...The Hill - 37m -
Abortion pill maker enters legal battle over FDA rules
The country’s only manufacturer of generic abortion medication asked to be a part of the first legal fight over the procedure since President Donald Trump returned to office. The company, ...The Hill - 49m -
WHCA head: Public 'can no longer trust' pool reports under White House control
The head of the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) says the public can no longer trust pool reports now that the reporters included in the small group will be controlled by President ...The Hill - 59m -
Supreme Court appears sympathetic toward straight woman’s ‘reverse discrimination’ case
The Supreme Court on Wednesday appeared to lean toward reviving a straight woman’s “reverse discrimination” case brought over claims she was passed over for a promotion and demoted in favor of gay ...The Hill - 1h