(RightIsRight.co) – In West Texas, the measles outbreak is spiraling as 58 cases were confirmed cases as of now, mainly impacting children aged 5-17 and those aged 0-4.
See the video below.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) reported that the majority of cases are in Gaines County, with additional cases in Terry, Lubbock, Lynn, and Yoakum counties.
Most of the infected individuals are either unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status, highlighting the critical importance of immunization in preventing the spread of this dangerous disease.
State health officials warned, “Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities.”
The outbreak has already led to 13 hospitalizations, primarily affecting children aged 5-17, followed by those aged 0-4.
Measles can be particularly serious for young children, adults over 20, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
The disease spreads through contact with infected nasal or throat secretions and can remain airborne for up to two hours, making it extremely difficult to contain once it starts spreading in a community.
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles when given in two doses.
This proven safety and efficacy track record should reassure parents concerned about potential side effects.
However, the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has raised eyebrows and concerns about the potential impact on public health policy.
Despite Kennedy’s history of criticizing the MMR vaccine and falsely linking it to autism, some conservative voices are pushing back against this dangerous misinformation.
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) supported Kennedy’s confirmation and urged Texans to get vaccinated, emphasizing that the vaccine has “been proven safe & effective since 1963.”
This is a serious measles outbreak in Texas. The measles vaccine has been proven safe & effective since 1963. https://t.co/rO2aqqpYam pic.twitter.com/xpiD7YJ6rB
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) February 18, 2025
Moreover, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 but has seen a resurgence in recent years due to pockets of unvaccinated individuals.
The 2019 outbreak was the largest since 1992, with 1,249 cases, and in 2024, 285 measles cases were reported in 33 states, with 89% in unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals.
As the Texas outbreak continues to grow, neighboring states are on high alert. New Mexico has already declared a measles outbreak in Lea County, suspected to be linked to the Texas cases.
Meanwhile, the TDSHS is collaborating with local health districts to investigate and contain the outbreak.
Vaccinations are available at the South Plains Public Health District Clinic in Seminole, and health officials are urging all unvaccinated individuals to get immunized as soon as possible.
This measles outbreak serves as a wake-up call for communities across America to prioritize public health, trust in proven science, and ensure that children are protected from preventable diseases.
Copyright 2025, RightIsRight.co
