Texas state health officials have reported the death of an unvaccinated child from measles, marking the first measles-related fatality in the U.S. in a decade. The child died in Lubbock during the fourth week of an outbreak that has resulted in over 130 cases across Texas and neighboring New Mexico. Since early February, 124 cases have been identified in West Texas, with 119 of the patients, mostly children, being unvaccinated. Nine additional cases were recorded in eastern New Mexico.
Patients have exhibited symptoms, including high fever, red watery eyes, nasal congestion, cough, and a facial rash. Pediatric cases have been treated with supplemental oxygen, IV fluids, and fever medications. The outbreak originated in a close-knit, under-vaccinated Mennonite community in Gaines County, where routine healthcare is often avoided. Health experts warn that more cases are likely due to the…
