Zach Holbrooks, executive director of the South Plains Public Health District, is addressing a measles outbreak in Seminole, Texas, which has confirmed 159 cases and one child fatality. The crisis stems from a local vaccination rate of 82%, well below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. Holbrooks is establishing mobile clinics to provide vaccinations, confronting challenges posed by a diverse immigrant population that may lack proper immunization records. Local health officials warn that the actual number of cases may be much higher due to underreporting, highlighting a significant public health concern.
As the executive director of the South Plains Public Health District, Zach Holbrooks has been tirelessly working to combat the largest measles outbreak in three decades.
With a kindergarten vaccination rate of just 82% for MMR in Gaines County, local health authorities warn that the true number of cases may be much higher than reported.
Holbrooks is responding to the outbreak by setting up mobile testing and vaccination sites, as many residents have unknown immunization records. The situation is complicated by a diverse, multilingual community.
Authorities are still investigating how the measles outbreak started in Seminole as the town grapples with 159 confirmed cases and a tragic death.
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