Health

Health officials say measles cases in West Texas have more than doubled since last week, with at least 58 confirmed cases and 13 hospitalizations. Several counties have begun vaccination drives.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has described the biannual immunization conference as a "vital platform" that in the past drew strong participation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Updated data and information from public health officials on confirmed measles cases in the region.

A measles outbreak is now being reported in West Texas. All of the cases are unvaccinated and there are no confirmed exposure sites outside health care facilities in Lubbock County. Senate Bill 2, which would create a school voucher-like program for Texas, passed in the Texas Senate last week. It's mainly focused on using taxpayer dollars to help families offset the cost of private schooling and, as the Texas Newsroom's Nina Banks reports, it also factors in homeschool families.

The strain of bird flu is distinct from what has previously been found in dairy cattle. The finding raises some worrying questions — and concerns over the Trump administration's muted response.

The San Antonio AIDS Foundation's CEO says people in the LGBTQ community are fearful that their access to health information and medical care will be curtailed under the Trump Administration's executive orders regarding transgender people and queer identities, and they're terrified of the message the administration is sending.

Yesterday, Lubbock Public Health provided an update on a confirmed measles case. Our Bishop Van Buren reports that the City of Lubbock has been recognized at the state level for its growing role in the digital media industry. On Monday, the Buddy Holly Center will be honoring “The Day the Music Died,” with free admission, tours, and activities. Over at the City of Lubbock Cemetery, Buddy Holly’s grave will be decorated with yellow roses.

Lubbock Public Health has confirmed a school-aged child recently treated at a Lubbock healthcare facility has tested positive for measles. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on a Lubbock Monterey High School basketball player who has been recruited for the country’s most prestigious high school all-star game.

The City of Lubbock’s health department has been recognized for a second time by the National Association of County and City Health Officials for its emergency preparedness. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more. Yesterday, Lubbock City Council took steps toward a permanent facility for the Godeke Branch Library. The meeting also saw a second reading of two amendments requested by Lubbock Animal Services to tighten restrictions on pet ownership, while the ordinance change passed earlier this month, it failed upon second reading.

As his first action after arriving at the White House, President Donald Trump pardoned people charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, including Lubbock man Ryan Zink. Meanwhile in Denton County, KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports that federal officials are accusing a homeowner's association of racially discriminating against renters receiving government assistance. And across the state, influenza cases are on the rise.