Texas Measles Outbreak Surges to 505 Cases, Spreads Across 22 States

Texas is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with the Department of State Health Services reporting 505 confirmed cases, predominantly in the panhandle region. The outbreak, which started in late January, has led to 57 hospitalizations and three fatalities, all involving unvaccinated children. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the area following the death of an 8-year-old girl, advocating for the MMR vaccine as the best protective measure. The outbreak has spread to 21 counties in Texas and neighboring states, with public health officials emphasizing the need for widespread vaccination to control it. A daycare facility in Lubbock County has reported multiple cases, highlighting the risk to unvaccinated children. Health officials are recommending earlier vaccination schedules to curb the spread, as the outbreak threatens the nation's measles elimination status.