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Texas, Mar 5: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has dispatched a team of disease experts to Texas as the state grapples with a rapidly expanding measles outbreak. Health officials have reported 13 new cases, bringing the total to 159 since late January.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed that 22 individuals have been hospitalized due to complications from the disease. Tragically, one school-aged child, who was unvaccinated, has succumbed to the illness. Authorities caution that additional cases are likely to emerge in the affected regions as the outbreak continues to spread.
The outbreak is primarily concentrated in Gaines County, particularly within the Mennonite community, where vaccination rates remain low. This has fueled concerns among public health officials regarding the vulnerability of unvaccinated populations. The CDC’s involvement includes providing vaccines and technical assistance to local health agencies, although Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has refrained from actively advocating for immunization.
Given the highly contagious nature of measles, health experts stress the urgency of swift containment measures to prevent further infections and fatalities. Public health authorities are urging individuals who are unvaccinated or unsure of their immunization status to consult healthcare professionals and consider vaccination.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available reports and official statements. Readers are encouraged to follow guidance from local health authorities and medical professionals for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the measles outbreak.
