Child Dies Amid Measles Outbreak in Texas as Washington Officials Stress Vaccination

A measles outbreak affecting Texas and New Mexico has resulted in the death of a child

A measles outbreak affecting Texas and New Mexico has resulted in the death of a child, marking the first fatality linked to measles in the United States in ten years, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In Washington state, health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant about vaccinations due to concerns about the potential spread of the virus.

Dr. James Lewis, a health officer with the Snohomish County Health Department, stated, "We have not seen an uptick yet in Washington, but it’s certainly possible that we could end up seeing an uptick in cases just as some places in the country have."

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) confirmed six measles cases in 2024, though none have been reported this year. Dr. Lewis mentioned that two confirmed measles exposures have occurred in the state so far.

"None of those exposures ended in disease, and that’s likely due to prior immunity," he explained. "If a person is fully vaccinated against measles, that’s two doses of them."

Parents in the region have expressed concerns about the virus. David Schoen, a parent, remarked, "It’s low risk, high reward, keeping your kids' eyesight and health. It’s not worth it to go your own way."

According to the CDC, an estimated 91.3% of children in Washington were vaccinated for the 2023-2024 school year. However, some parents, like Christopher J. Zarati, remain unconcerned.

"If something was to happen, I mean, there’s nothing I can really do about it," Zarati said. "Vaccines are not 100%. I mean, that’s with every vaccine, so unfortunately, if it happens, it happens."

Health officials continue to monitor for outbreaks and emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective protection. "It’s never too late to get it," they advised.

The DOH has reiterated that the MMR vaccine is the most effective defense against measles. Vaccination rates for children dropped during the pandemic and have yet to fully recover. In 2023, only around 75% of children aged 19-35 months in Washington were up to date on their MMR vaccinations.

Measles Outbreak Worsens Among Children in Texas

Data from Public Health – Seattle & King County indicates that approximately 87% of 2-year-olds in King County have received one dose of the MMR vaccine. Young children face a higher risk of severe measles complications, and a single dose of MMR can offer significant protection.

Additionally, 72% of 4-6-year-olds in King County have received two or more doses of the vaccine. Children are eligible for a second dose at four years old, and parents are encouraged to ensure their children receive it as soon as possible, rather than waiting until school enrollment.