The measles outbreak in rural West Texas has reached 58 cases, with additional infections reported in eastern New Mexico. Public health officials indicate a potential link between the Texas and New Mexico cases, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. The outbreak is centered in Gaines County and affects a close-knit Mennonite community, leading to alarming hospitalization numbers. Although measles is highly contagious, the MMR vaccine is safe and effective in preventing severe cases, underscoring the importance of vaccination in controlling outbreaks.
Most kids will recover from measles if they get it, but infection can lead to dangerous complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.
Health department spokeswoman Lara Anton said last week that cases have been concentrated in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community especially among families who attend small private religious schools or are homeschooled.
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