A hospitalized patient has died from measles in West Texas, marking the first fatality in an outbreak that began late last month.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center spokesperson Melissa Whitfield confirmed the death on Wednesday. The patient’s age was not immediately disclosed. Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, where the patient was treated, has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Outbreak Spreads Across Rural Communities
The measles outbreak has now reached 124 confirmed cases across nine counties in West Texas, with an additional nine cases reported in eastern New Mexico. According to the Texas Department of Health, the outbreak continues to grow, making it the largest measles surge in the state in nearly 30 years.
The virus is primarily spreading among the Mennonite community, where families frequently travel between small towns for work, church, and daily errands. Many of these communities, surrounded by vast open land and oil fields, have low vaccination rates, contributing to the rapid transmission.
High Rates of Unvaccinated Children
Gaines County, which has recorded 80 of the cases, is one of the areas with the highest vaccine opt-out rates in Texas. Data from the 2023-24 school year shows that nearly 14% of K-12 students in the county have declined at least one required vaccine.
State health records indicate that the majority of those infected are under the age of 18. Officials continue to warn that the outbreak could worsen if vaccination rates do not improve.
Measles’ Severe Health Risks
Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours. The CDC reports that up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will contract it.
While most children recover, measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death. Health experts stress the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread and protect vulnerable populations.
