In rural West Texas, a measles outbreak grows with no end in sight
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Texas Measles Outbreak Surges to 58 Cases
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Above: The MMR vaccine for measles, mumps or rubella. Image copyright: Antonio Perez/Contributor/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The Facts
The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported that, as of Tuesday, there have been 58 confirmed measles cases across five counties. Forty-five of the cases have been concentrated in Gaines County, where nearly one in five kindergartners is unvaccinated.
The outbreak is primarily affecting children aged 5-17, with 13 patients requiring hospitalization. While most cases are in unvaccinated individuals, four cases were reported in people who claimed to be vaccinated, though their vaccination status is still being verified.
Health officials estimate the actual number of infections could be between 200 and 300, as many cases remain untested. The outbreak is particularly affecting the Mennonite community in Gaines County, where vaccine exemption rates are among the highest in the state.
The Spin
Left narrative
This is a nightmare that could've been avoided. The MMR vaccine is proven safe and 97% effective with two doses, making these measles cases largely preventable. Unfortunately, there's too much misinformation flooding the zone and bringing vaccination rates down. In the current political climate in the US, this is unlikely to change.
Right narrative
Religious freedom and personal choice must be respected when it comes to vaccination decisions, and anything else is just government overreach. Vaccine exemptions for reasons of conscience and religious beliefs exist to protect individual rights to make healthcare decisions and allow religious groups to adopt a vaccination policy that's in line with their beliefs.
