Second Child Dies Amid Measles Outbreak In Texas As Cases Near 500 | Here's What You Should Know!

The outbreak, which began in late January in Gaines County, continues to spread rapidly. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported 481 confirmed measles cases statewide—a 14% increase from the previous week.
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Second Child Dies Amid Measles Outbreak In Texas As Cases Near 500 | Here's What You Should Know!


A second child in Texas has died as the state grapples with a growing measles outbreak, with confirmed cases now nearing 500. Health officials report that the child, an unvaccinated school-aged girl with no known medical conditions, passed away on Thursday due to measles-related pulmonary failure.

The outbreak, which began in late January in Gaines County, continues to spread rapidly. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported 481 confirmed measles cases statewide—a 14% increase from the previous week. Gaines County, where the outbreak originated, has a vaccination rate of around 82%, significantly below the 95% needed to achieve herd immunity and protect those who cannot be vaccinated.

This is the second child fatality in Texas linked to the current outbreak. Additionally, authorities in New Mexico are investigating the suspected measles-related death of an adult, which could mark the first confirmed measles death outside Texas in the current surge. If verified, these would be the first measles deaths in the U.S. in over a decade.

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Also Read: Hepatitis A Outbreak In Kerala: Over 100 Cases Reported In Ernakulam, Confirms Health Department

Measles is an extremely contagious virus that can lead to serious complications, particularly in children and those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), dehydration, and even blindness. The illness typically begins with symptoms such as fever, cough, and runny nose, followed by a high temperature and a red-brown skin rash.

Health authorities are continuing efforts to contain the outbreak and are emphasising the importance of vaccination. Immunisation remains the most effective defence against measles and is critical to preventing future outbreaks.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation closely and providing support to affected communities, but we must maintain basic hygiene checks and get the vaccinations done to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy!

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