A measles outbreak in rural West Texas has reached 124 cases across nine counties, with 18 people hospitalized, according to the state health department. The outbreak is largely affecting the Mennonite community in the area, with cases concentrated in Gaines and Terry counties. The majority of cases are in people under 18 years old, with many being in the children of unvaccinated families. The outbreak in Texas is the largest in nearly 30 years.
In neighboring New Mexico, there are nine cases in Lea County, bordering Gaines County. Public health officials are urging vaccination to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus. Vaccination rates in communities are crucial for preventing outbreaks like this, but rates have declined in recent years due to various reasons, including religious and personal exemptions.
Health officials are conducting vaccination clinics and educational efforts to stop the spread of measles in both Texas and New Mexico. The MMR vaccine is considered safe and effective in preventing measles infections and complications.
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