Measles Outbreak in Texas and New Mexico: A Growing Threat to Infants
A significant measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico is causing alarm among health officials, with the number of cases surging and vulnerable young babies now among those exposed. The outbreak, already one of the largest in the past decade, is highlighting the highly contagious nature of the disease and the risks it poses to infants who are too young to be vaccinated.
Katherine Wells, director of public health in Lubbock, Texas, addressed the escalating situation in a recent briefing. She revealed that "very young babies" exposed to measles have required immunoglobulin injections. These injections provide antibodies to help the infant’s body fight off a potential measles infection. Wells did not provide specific details about the timing or location of these exposures, but reports indicate a possible exposure event at University Medical Center Children’s Hospital in Lubbock. According to NBC News, newborns may have been exposed after an infected woman gave birth at the hospital last week. The hospital has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
"That’s really why measles is so scary," Wells stated, emphasizing the ease with which the disease spreads and the danger it presents in areas where unvaccinated babies are present. "It’s so communicable, and then it’s so easy for it to enter some of these very vulnerable areas where babies don’t have those vaccinations yet, and we’re seeing those cases more and more as this outbreak continues to grow.”
The standard recommended age for the first dose of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is between 12 and 15 months. This leaves a window of vulnerability for infants under one year old. However, pediatric infectious disease experts emphasize that there are measures hospitals and parents can take to bolster protection for young infants.
Dr. Katherine Moyer, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Inova Children’s Hospital in northern Virginia, explained that the MMR vaccine can be administered to infants as young as six months old in specific circumstances. These circumstances include an ongoing measles outbreak or planned family travel to areas where measles is prevalent. However, she stressed that an early dose given before 12 months does not count toward the standard two-dose series. Therefore, babies who receive an early dose would still need subsequent doses between 12 and 15 months and again between 4 and 6 years old to achieve optimal immunity.
Dr. Moyer clarified that the first dose of the MMR vaccine is approximately 93% effective against measles. The second dose increases that protection rate to 97%. It typically takes around two weeks after vaccination for a child to develop the intended immunity.
Before six months of age, babies typically receive some degree of immunity from their mothers through antibodies transferred in utero. Breastfeeding mothers can also pass on protective antibodies to their unvaccinated infants through breast milk, providing an additional layer of protection.
Health department and hospital protocols generally advise that babies between 6 and 12 months old who are exposed to measles receive the MMR vaccine within three days of exposure. If vaccination is not possible or appropriate, they can receive immunoglobulin injections between three and six days after exposure.
Dr. Moyer stressed the importance of prompt action if a parent or caregiver suspects their infant may have been exposed to measles. Contacting a healthcare provider immediately is crucial since the available tools to protect against infection are most effective when administered quickly.
The article also addressed some frequently asked questions regarding measles, such as "Can you get measles if you’ve been vaccinated?" and "Do you need a booster?". The core message emphasizes that while vaccination provides excellent protection, it’s not foolproof, and boosters are generally not needed after the standard two-dose series.
Measles symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear after exposure, making early detection challenging. Dr. Moyer emphasized the importance of "cocooning," which involves ensuring that everyone around the infant is vaccinated. "If you have people that are vaccinated around them, even in the setting of an outbreak, then it’s much less likely to spread," she explained. She also advised against traveling with infants who are too young to be vaccinated and avoiding crowded places, as measles can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area.
The article also highlights the tragic consequences of measles. In February, an unvaccinated child with no underlying health conditions died of measles in Texas, marking the first death from the disease in the U.S. since 2015. This underscores the severity of measles and the importance of vaccination to prevent serious complications and death.
As of Tuesday, measles cases in Texas and New Mexico had risen to 317. This figure has already surpassed last year’s total of 285 infections, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Frederic Bertley, an immunologist and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio, warned that cases are "on pace for about 1,200, a fourfold, almost fivefold increase from the year before."
The increasing number of measles cases and the vulnerability of unvaccinated infants underscore the urgency of addressing this public health crisis. Public health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated according to the recommended schedule. They also emphasize the importance of consulting with healthcare providers about the possibility of early vaccination or immunoglobulin injections for infants who may have been exposed to measles. The current outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of herd immunity and the collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of the community from preventable diseases. The situation warrants continued vigilance and proactive measures to control the spread of measles and protect the health of infants and young children.
