The Texas Department of State Health Services says the measles outbreak across the South Plains and Panhandle has now climbed to 481 cases as of April 4. Lubbock County accounts for 33 of them, with several tied to Tiny Tots daycare—though the exact number hasn’t been disclosed yet.
At least one unvaccinated school-aged child has died since the outbreak began in January, the first measles-related death in Texas in a decade.
Health officials are still pleading with families to vaccinate. The MMR vaccine remains the safest and most effective protection, with two doses providing about 97% immunity. The CDC warns measles is so contagious it can linger in the air for two hours after an infected person leaves.
From classrooms to daycare nap mats, measles is making itself right at home. But unlike your kid’s sticky juice box, this is one mess that doesn’t just clean up with a Clorox wipe.
