Texas declares measles outbreak over after record high cases
- Since January 2023, Texas has reported over 762 confirmed measles cases, including two deaths.
- The outbreak was declared over after 42 days without new cases, but the threat of measles persists.
- Health officials continue to advocate for vaccinations to prevent future outbreaks and encourage vigilance among healthcare providers.
In Texas, health officials declared the end of the measles outbreak that began in late January 2023. Over 762 confirmed cases, predominantly among unvaccinated children, were reported, leading to two fatalities and 99 hospitalizations, marking one of the largest outbreaks in decades. The outbreak originated in West Texas, affecting 37 counties and coinciding with similar outbreaks across North America, revealing a gap in vaccination coverage among certain communities. The declaration came after more than 42 days without new cases, aligning with public health guidelines for determining when an outbreak is over. However, officials emphasized the ongoing risk of new cases due to broader outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad, urging vigilance among healthcare providers. Vaccination remains critical for preventing future outbreaks as childhood vaccination rates continue to decline, posing a significant public health challenge.