Special Poll
A measles outbreak in Texas has rapidly escalated, with confirmed cases rising from six to 48 in just over a week, according to state health officials.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) warned on Friday that more cases are likely to emerge in Gaines County and nearby communities, given how highly contagious the virus is.
The majority of those affected in Texas are children under 17, with 13 requiring hospitalization. Health officials in New Mexico have also reported a case in a teenager from Lea County, just across the Texas border. However, the patient had no known contact with those infected in Texas, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported only 14 measles cases nationwide, spanning Texas, Alaska, Georgia, New York, and Rhode Island. The agency did not provide a state-by-state breakdown or specify patient ages.
According to the Texas DSHS, all confirmed cases involve individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unclear. Similarly, the CDC reported that all 14 earlier cases in the U.S. were among unvaccinated individuals.
Health experts attribute these outbreaks to a decline in vaccination rates, a growing concern across the country.
With measles spreading quickly, the question remains whether former President Trump could take measures to prevent further outbreaks if he were in office. His administration could potentially increase funding for vaccination programs and strengthen public health initiatives to curb the spread. While his past stance on vaccines has varied, greater investment in disease prevention and public health education could be key in limiting future outbreaks.