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26m ago

Texas Measles Outbreak Slows as Cases Exceed 720 and Vaccination Rates Surge

Fewer than 10 active infections remain in Texas, but the outbreak has reached new regions while early infant vaccination efforts see unprecedented increases.

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A resident of Kyle, in the Hill Country, has tested positive for measles, according to the Hays County Health Department.

Overview

  • The Texas Department of State Health Services reports 722 confirmed measles cases, marking the state's largest outbreak in 30 years.
  • Fewer than 10 cases are currently considered actively infectious, suggesting a potential decline in transmission.
  • The outbreak has spread to the San Antonio area, with first confirmed cases in Atascosa and Hays counties, expanding the geographic reach of the virus.
  • Two unvaccinated children have died, and 92 individuals have been hospitalized since the outbreak began in January, highlighting the severe impact on unvaccinated populations.
  • Early infant MMR vaccination rates have surged, with April data showing a 30-fold increase in six-month-old immunizations compared to the prior year.