### Texas Measles Outbreak Shows Signs of Slowing, Health Officials Say

The measles outbreak that swept through west Texas earlier this year appears to be losing momentum, according to a recent update from the state's health services department. For the first time since January, the department's latest report showed no increase in new cases. The total number of cases remains steady at 742, a figure that has been updated biweekly by state officials.

"Thankfully, this large outbreak that we've been tracking in west Texas does seem to be on the decline," stated Dr. Jennifer Shuford, commissioner of the state health services department, during an interview with the Texas Standard. She cautioned, however, that "it just takes one person to get into an under-vaccinated community to cause another outbreak."

Measles had been declared eliminated in the United States back in 2000. However, the disease has resurfaced, primarily spreading within under-vaccinated communities. While the bulk of Texas's cases have been concentrated in the western part of the state, sporadic cases have also been reported elsewhere. Some of these cases have been linked to international travel, while others are still under investigation due to unclear origins.

Gaines County, which is home to a Mennonite community with historically low childhood immunization rates, has reported the majority of cases. Tragically, two children from this region, both unvaccinated and with no known pre-existing conditions, have died from the disease. The earlier of these deaths was the first measles-related fatality in the U.S. since 2015.

According to the latest data from the Texas state health services department, fewer than 10 of the confirmed cases are currently considered infectious. This status applies to individuals within four days before or after the appearance of the measles rash. Since January, a total of 94 people have been hospitalized due to measles.

The state health agency has identified seven counties with ongoing measles transmission: Cochran, Dawson, Gaines, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum. The agency continues to work closely with local health officials to monitor and contain the outbreak.

Dr. Shuford mentioned that the department has faced challenges in encouraging community members to get vaccinated. She emphasized that the state health service department is "really trying to strengthen our messaging at all times and so that we already have a relationship with different communities." She concluded by noting the importance of vaccines in maintaining a healthy and productive society.