Texas reports 48 measles cases, its worst outbreak in 30 years

outbreak of measles in Texas, which has escalated to 48 confirmed cases, marks the state's most significant surge in nearly three decades. Centered primarily in Gaines County, this outbreak predominantly affects unvaccinated or undervaccinated children and adolescents . The rapid increase from 24 cases to 48 within just a few days underscores the highly contagious nature of the virus, which can remain viable in the air for up to two hours . As health officials report that thirteen individuals have required hospitalization due to complications arising from the disease, the public health implications are becoming increasingly severe.

At least 13 people have been hospitalized in the Lone Star State under the recent outbreak, which is largely concentrated in rural Gaines County where many children are either homeschooled or attend small private schools, said Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Department of State Health Services.

New Mexico, the DSHS said.

On Friday, New Mexico officials declared an outbreak in Lea County, just across state lines from Texas' Gaines County. Two adults tested positive for measles, with three total cases this week. The first case, an unvaccinated teenager in Lea County, had no recent travel history and no known exposure to the Texas cases, raising alarms about measles spreading undetected.

Texas about 87 miles southwest of Lubbock. But a DSHS spokesperson told the Associated Press that the Mennonite church isn't the reason for the outbreak.

"The church isn't the reason that they’re not vaccinated," DSHS spokesperson Lara Anton told the AP. "It's all personal choice and you can do whatever you want. It's just that the community doesn't go and get regular health care."

Several days after symptoms begin, characteristic tiny white spots develop inside the mouth, and a facial rash spreads to the rest of the body.

While most people's symptoms improve, 1 in 5 unvaccinated people will be hospitalized, 1 out of every 1,000 will develop brain swelling that can lead to brain damage, and up to 3 of every 1,000 will die. 

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Sarah H

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