CDC dispatches “disease detectives” to Texas as measles outbreak claims child’s life and hospitalizes 22 people, prompting urgent federal response to a preventable disease.
At a Glance
- The CDC has deployed a team of infectious disease experts to West Texas to assist with a measles outbreak that has resulted in 159 cases
- One school-aged child has died from measles and 22 people have been hospitalized
- Of the 159 cases, 80 people were unvaccinated and 74 had unknown vaccination status
- Federal assistance includes 2,000 MMR vaccine doses and technical support through a partnership called Epi-Aid
- HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism for his lukewarm response given his history of vaccine skepticism
Federal Health Experts Respond to Growing Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has sent a specialized team of “disease detectives” to West Texas in response to a significant measles outbreak that has infected 159 people and resulted in one death. The deployment comes at the request of Texas state health officials through a partnership known as Epi-Aid, which enables states to formally invite federal assistance during public health emergencies. The outbreak has primarily affected Gaines County and surrounding areas, with cases continuing to rise.
The measles outbreak has resulted in the hospitalization of 22 people and the death of a school-aged child on February 26. The Texas Department of State Health Services anticipates additional cases as the highly contagious virus continues to spread. Epidemiologic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers will remain in Texas for one to three weeks providing on-site support to state and local health departments for surveillance, case investigation, and control measures.
Vaccination Status Central to Outbreak Spread
Detailed analysis of the 159 confirmed measles cases reveals that 80 individuals were unvaccinated and 74 had unknown vaccination status. Only five had documented receipt of at least one dose of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, which is over 97% effective at preventing the disease when properly administered according to the recommended schedule. The current outbreak highlights the consequences of declining vaccination rates in certain communities.
“The measles outbreak in Texas is a call to action for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to public health,” Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, said in the CDC statement. “By working together — parents, healthcare providers, community leaders, and government officials, we can prevent future outbreaks and protect the health of our nation.”
The administration is supporting Texas with substantial resources, including technical assistance, laboratory support, and 2,000 doses of the MMR vaccine. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can be spread through airborne particles that remain infectious for up to two hours in an area after an infected person leaves.
Kennedy’s Response Draws Scrutiny
HHS Secretary Kennedy’s handling of the outbreak has drawn scrutiny given his history of vaccine skepticism. While he issued a statement supporting vaccination efforts, critics note that his earlier response was muted. Kennedy initially downplayed the outbreak before later writing an opinion piece offering a lukewarm endorsement of vaccination. His stance appears to have shifted somewhat since taking office, though he maintains his position on personal choice.
Health officials have also updated CDC guidance on managing measles cases, including information about vitamin A treatment for malnourished children who contract the illness. A clarification was issued noting that while vitamin A helps treat measles in malnourished children, it does not prevent infection. The administration stresses that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against measles, which can cause severe complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, particularly in young children.
