The measles outbreak in western Texas has hit 481 cases as 59 newly identified infections were confirmed over the last three days, according to new data published Friday.

Summary

A measles outbreak in western Texas has reached 481 cases, with 59 new infections reported in the past three days.

Most cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Gaines County remains the epicenter with 315 cases.

Children under 18 account for the majority of infections, and 56 patients have been hospitalized. Texas health officials warn the outbreak is not yet contained.

Nationally, the CDC has confirmed 607 cases in 21 states. Experts emphasize vaccination, citing its 97% effectiveness with two MMR doses.

    • Boddhisatva@lemmy.world
      27·
      2 days ago

      Very probably. Getting the standard two-dose MMR vaccine protocol is 97% effective at providing lifelong protection. If you are vaccinated and do catch it anyways, the symptoms will likely be mild.

      No vaccine is 100% effective against measles, but two MMR shots are 97% effective. (Two shots are 88% effective against mumps, and a single shot is 97% effective against rubella.) Most people who are vaccinated will never get the measles; although a small percentage have “breakthrough” cases, the symptoms are usually mild.

    • aramis87@fedia.io
      18·
      2 days ago

      It depends on when you were vaccinated. If you were born in or before 1957, you’re presumed immune. If you were born after 1957 and vaccinated before 1967, they were using a not-quite-as-good version of the vaccine and should get a booster. If you were vaccinated between 1968 and 1989, you probably only got one shot; in 1989, they realized it should be two shots for longer, stronger immunity, and you should get a booster. If you were vaxxed in 1990 or later, you’re fine.

      People may want to consider getting a DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) booster at the same time. It doesn’t hurt to keep your tetanus resistance up to date, but whooping cough (pertussis) is also making a comeback, and that’s an absolutely miserable disease as well. [Fortunately, diphtheria remains in check, as that has a 5-10% mortality rate, compared to covid’s 1-3% mortality rate.]

      • MDCCCLV@lemmy.caEnglish
        1·
        16 hours ago

        Yeah, it’s pretty good. You can get an mmr booster if you want. I don’t think there is any real downside and it should increase immunity resistance. If you have any type of immunity problem, or are in contact with very young children/infants, healthcare worker, or are going to travel it might be a good idea. It’s not like the problem is a lack of vaccines.

      • Track_Shovel@slrpnk.netEnglish
        11·
        2 days ago

        Tetanus resistance lasts 10 years. Make sure you’re up to date, or you can die an agonizing death which they can do nothing about.

        this could be you!

    • Suite404@lemmy.world
      2·
      2 days ago

      My doctor said don’t even bother getting tested for immunity, just go into your pharmacy and get a vaccine.

    • kofe@lemmy.worldEnglish
      21·
      2 days ago

      From the article:

      Singh said the low number of rare breakthrough cases show how effective the vaccine is, and that there are many reasons breakthrough cases might occur, including someone who has a condition that causes their immunity to wane over time