Dr. Lila Myrick had only read about measles in medical school. The disease was a medical concept, not a daily reality.
That changed in late January when a young girl arrived at her ER. She had the telltale rash of measles. The child had no immunity and a respiratory condition.
She became one of the first measles cases in Gaines County, Texas. This rural area is now the center of the largest U.S. measles outbreak in six years.
Last week, measles cases continued rising. Early this month, one unvaccinated child died. It was the first U.S. measles death in a decade.
How Did Vaccine Skepticism Lead to the Outbreak?
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Now, cases are soaring across nine West Texas counties.
Many unvaccinated individuals in the outbreak’s epicenter are Mennonites. Members of this group often do not vaccinate. Their reluctance is not mainly religious. Instead, Mennonites value self-sufficiency and home remedies over doctors.
Some Mennonite individuals do not speak English. Doctors have translated vaccine information for them. Still, many families refuse the vaccine.
The first measles death in a decade was an unvaccinated young girl. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., head of Health and Human Services, said she was a Mennonite. Officials report she had no underlying health conditions.
How Did the Study’s Findings Fuel Vaccine Skepticism?
The measles outbreak has spread to other rural Texas counties. It is now suspected of reaching New Mexico.
Since January, Dr. Myrick has treated nearly a dozen cases. In just over a month, she has gained rare experience treating measles.
School immunization rates have fallen below the 95% threshold. Experts say this rate is needed to prevent outbreaks. Misinformation and distrust of public health have fueled the decline.
“Measles is just the tip of the iceberg,” Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes of Harvard Medical School told USA today. He warned that other preventable diseases could return.
In Gaines County, just over 80% of kindergartners were vaccinated last year. In one district, fewer than half of students had their shots.
Most measles cases are in children, especially school-aged kids. The vast majority involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
Why is Vaccine Skepticism Becoming More Common?
Many parents falsely believe measles is a mild illness. Some think vaccines are harmful despite decades of proven safety. Health experts have recommended measles vaccination for years. Vaccine hesitancy plays a key role in measles’ return.
Some experts blame misinformation and figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Health and Human Services Secretary, he has downplayed measles outbreaks. Other diseases could also return due to declining vaccinations. Measles, polio, and meningitis may reappear if rates keep falling.
Many states near Texas have low vaccination rates. Texas and New Mexico have two-dose rates of 94-95% among kindergartners. But in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma, rates are below 90%.
Maryland had one measles case last year. High vaccination rates prevented an outbreak. All 50 states require childhood vaccines, but exemptions are rising.
In the 2023-2024 school year, 280,000 kindergartners skipped the MMR vaccine. Fourteen states now have exemption rates above 5%, weakening herd immunity. Misinformation and conspiracy theories fuel vaccine distrust. This growing skepticism poses a serious public health threat.
Conclusion
Measles is spreading again due to falling vaccination rates. Misinformation and policy changes are weakening public health protections. Without action, more preventable diseases could return.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
