Measles Outbreak Insights

West Texas is currently facing the largest measles outbreak in 30 years, with over 100 cases reported and the first death attributed to the virus. Measles is highly contagious, capable of infecting 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people who come into contact with an infected individual. The outbreak began in a rural, under-vaccinated Mennonite community, leading to an increase in cases across the state as the virus spreads. Public health measures emphasize the importance of maintaining a high vaccination rate to prevent outbreaks, as the goal is to achieve a 95% vaccination rate among kindergartners to effectively contain the virus.