Measles cases reported in Texas as vaccine rate against the disease has fallen – The Texas Tribune

Measles Outbreak in Texas Raises Concerns

Introduction

At least four cases of measles, including two involving school-aged children, have been reported in Texas in less than two weeks, putting state health agencies on alert. This article discusses the recent measles outbreak in Texas and highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

Measles Cases in Texas

• Two adult residents in Harris County were confirmed to have measles, marking the first cases reported in Texas since 2023.
• Both individuals were unvaccinated against measles and resided in the same household.
• The Texas Department of State Health Services sent out an alert to health providers statewide to raise awareness.

Impact and Symptoms of Measles

• Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can cause serious health consequences and even death, especially for young and unvaccinated children.
• General symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a full-body rash.
• About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles will be hospitalized, and up to three of every 1,000 children who become infected may die from complications.

Measles Cases in South Plains

• Two measles cases were confirmed in the South Plains region, both involving school-aged children who were not vaccinated.
• The children were hospitalized but have since been discharged.
• Efforts are underway to identify possible community exposures and prevent further spread of the disease.

Alerts and Recommendations

• Health departments in Houston and Austin have issued alerts about the potential measles outbreak, urging residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families.
• Vaccination is the best defense against measles and other preventable diseases.
• Experts recommend children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in two doses.

Decline in Vaccination Rates

• The recent upswing in measles cases in Texas coincides with a drop in measles vaccination rates among kindergarteners.
• In the 2019-2020 school year, the vaccination rate was almost 97%, but it dropped to 94.3% in 2023-24.
• Similar declines in vaccination rates have been observed in other states since the pandemic.

Concerns and Legislation

• Health officials and vaccine proponents are concerned that disease trends will worsen as more families opt out of immunizations.
• Requests for exemption forms from the Texas Department of State Health Services have doubled since 2018.
• Lawmakers have filed vaccination-related bills, including proposals to weaken vaccine mandates and preserve Texans’ right to refuse vaccination.

Controversies and Clarifications

• The vaccine choice movement has gained momentum, fueled by controversial statements and beliefs about vaccines.
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has made controversial comments about vaccines, was selected as the choice for U.S. Health and Human Services secretary by President Donald Trump.
• During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy clarified his stance on vaccines, stating that he supports their use and will not discourage people from taking them.

Overall, the recent measles outbreak in Texas highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. It is crucial for individuals to stay up to date on vaccinations to protect themselves and the most vulnerable members of the community. Efforts should also be made to address declining vaccination rates and combat misinformation surrounding vaccines.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
• SDG 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education.
• SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.2: Neonatal mortality rate and under-5 mortality rate
• Indicator for SDG 4.2: Access to quality early childhood development, care, and preprimary education
• Indicator for SDG 10.3: Reduction in discriminatory laws, policies, and practices

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Based on the article, the issues of measles cases and vaccination rates in Texas are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The specific target under this SDG is SDG 3.2, which aims to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age. The indicators for measuring progress towards this target are the neonatal mortality rate and under-5 mortality rate.

The article also highlights the importance of access to quality early childhood development, care, and preprimary education, which is related to SDG 4: Quality Education. The specific target under this SDG is SDG 4.2, which focuses on ensuring that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development and education. The indicator for measuring progress towards this target is the availability and accessibility of quality early childhood development, care, and preprimary education.

Furthermore, the article mentions the need to reduce inequalities in healthcare and vaccination rates, which aligns with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. The specific target under this SDG is SDG 10.3, which aims to ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome. The indicator for measuring progress towards this target is the reduction in discriminatory laws, policies, and practices.

Source: texastribune.org