Measles Outbreak Sweeps Through US, Over 130 Infected; Texas Reports First Death Since 2015: What Is Measles?

A child who wasn't vaccinated died in a measles outbreak in rural West Texas, state officials said Wednesday, the first U.S. death from the highly contagious respiratory disease since 2015.

Measles Outbreak In US: A child in West Texas died of measles, state health officials said on Thursday, marking the first reported U.S. death from the highly contagious disease in a decade (since 2015) According to the data, the Texas outbreak has surged from a few cases to over 130 across two states.

The child, who was not vaccinated against the disease, died overnight in a children's hospital, the Texas health department said in a statement. Speaking to the media, Amy Thompson, CEO of Covenant Children's Hospital in Lubbock, where the child died, said, "We have had so many kids coming in and then obviously we were not prepared, probably, so early in what we are seeing to have a death."

Measles Outbreak In the US: Texas Reports First Death Since 2015

Measles is one of the world's most contagious viruses. Caused by the measles virus (MeV), it spreads rapidly through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Let's know more about this virus, its symptoms, and what the US government is planning to contain the surge in cases.

In a study, the World Health Organisation has explained - "Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world even more so than COVID-19. It can spread to 90% of unvaccinated people who come into contact with an infected person. The virus remains active in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area."

What Is Measles: Symptoms And Virus Details

As mentioned above, measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. Once the measles virus enters the body through the respiratory tract, it begins to multiply and spread through the bloodstream. Within a few days, the virus invades various organs, including the lungs, brain, and immune system, making it one of the most destructive viral infections.

Symptoms of Measles

The symptoms of measles appear in stages, typically 7-14 days after exposure. They include:

1. High fever, accompanied by chills (104 F or higher)
2. Persistent cough
3. Runny nose
4. Red, and watery eyes (very much like conjunctivitis)
5. Tiny white spots inside the mouth
6. Red rashes all over the body and face

This rash is one of the most distinctive signs of measles and is often accompanied by severe discomfort and itching.

During a cabinet meeting earlier this week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a vaccine critic who was confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services, said two people had died in the Texas outbreak. His Department of Health and Human Services later corrected Kennedy, confirming one death.

As per current data, at least 124 people were known to be infected in West Texas since early February, all but five of them unvaccinated and most of them children, Texas health officials said.

An additional nine cases were announced on Tuesday in eastern New Mexico, near the Texas state line where the outbreak has spread to about 10 counties, Texas health officials said.

Measles Prevention: The Role of Vaccination

The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against measles. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the vaccine is 97% effective after two doses.

Vaccination Schedule

1. First dose: Between 12-15 months of age
2. Second dose: Between 4-6 years of age
3. Adults: Those born after 1957 who haven't received the vaccine should get at least one dose.

Lara Johnson, chief medical officer at the Lubbock hospital, stated that patients have exhibited symptoms including high fever, red watery eyes, nasal congestion, cough, and a facial rash. Children have received treatments such as supplemental and high-flow oxygen, fever-reducing medication, and IV fluids.

New Mexico's health department has cautioned that due to measles' extreme contagiousness, additional cases are likely.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles, which spreads through airborne respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, has a death rate of 1 to 3 per 1,000 reported cases. The last U.S. measles-related death occurred in 2015.