Another child dies from a fast-growing Texas measles outbreak

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The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that the second child died of measles in Texas. The child of the school year, uninoculated and previously healthy, died late Saturday at Children's Hospital at Lubbock University Medical Center. “It is important to note that the child is not vaccinated with measles and has no known underlying health conditions. This unfortunate incident underscores the importance of vaccination.” The outbreak that began in January has already made 481 Texans sick, an increase of 14% from last week. Six of the cases were infants and toddlers at Lubbock daycare centers, with 56 people hospitalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that one to three out of every 1,000 children infected with measles die from pneumonia or neurological complications. The virus can also eliminate immune memory in a phenomenon called “immune amnesia.” Nationwide, at least 628 cases were reported in 21 states and Washington, D.C., but that number is likely to be higher. “Many people have not been tested for the virus,” said Lubbock’s public health director, while Katherine Wells.katherine Wells.Healths.Healths.Healths Healths Healths Sealths Healths officials encouraged ineffective vaccines. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective and is effective at two doses. “A six-month-old baby can get the first shot during an outbreak.”

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