The measles outbreak in West Texas, which has affected hundreds and resulted in the deaths of two young girls since January, seems to be slowing down as the virus runs out of individuals to infect.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there have been a total of 702 reported measles cases as of Tuesday, marking an increase of 19 since the last update on Friday.
Ninety-one individuals have been hospitalized during this outbreak, with about two-thirds being children.
However, in a hopeful sign, no children have been hospitalized with measles in West Texas for the second consecutive week, stated Katherine Wells, the public health director for Lubbock, which is at the outbreak’s core.
“I’m hopeful that things are slowing down,” she remarked.
Nonetheless, health professionals remain cautious.
Dr. Lara Johnson, a pediatrician and the chief medical officer at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, noted, “I don’t think it’s over, but I do think it’s beginning to taper a little bit now. That could change tomorrow.”
Measles can spread very easily, particularly in vulnerable, largely unvaccinated communities, Johnson explained. It appears that the virus has already circulated through many areas in West Texas where vaccination rates are low.
“Outbreaks burn themselves out,” she added. “Everyone who’s susceptible in the community either contracts the illness or perhaps decides to vaccinate.”
Doctors on the frontlines have observed a slight increase in individuals opting to vaccinate themselves or their children. Others have been persuaded to isolate while contagious, to help curb the spread.
Still, it seems that measles has likely exhausted its pool of potential infections among the vulnerable demographic.
While the situation appears to be improving in West Texas, the outbreak is on the rise in other regions.
Currently, there are 987 measles cases reported nationwide, according to a tally from NBC News. This reflects the highest number of cases since 2019, when over 1,200 cases were recorded, mainly linked to an outbreak in Orthodox Jewish communities in New York.
Most of the recent cases are tied to international travel, with Montana and North Dakota reporting eight and four cases, respectively.
However, some outbreaks in other states are directly connected to cases emerging from West Texas.
New Mexico has reported 57 measles cases, including one adult death. Kansas has noted 46 cases, while Oklahoma has reported 17.
Experts assert that the actual number of measles cases is likely much higher than reported.
