Health

The measles outbreak is not easing up around the country. The CDC reports 884 confirmed cases nationwide, three times the number of cases in 2024. In West Texas, where the outbreak started, pediatricians are concerned about potentially more children being exposed to the virus.

The virus was discovered in an animal that had been tested for rabies.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an increase of 20 measles cases since Friday. Our Samantha Larned reports that as cases continue to rise across the region, federal funding cuts are hindering response from public health departments. Today, the Texas House is expected to take up a controversial measure that would create a school voucher program for the state. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey says eyes are on rural Republicans and how they vote.

A 4-year-old child in Lubbock died from a gunshot wound Wednesday evening. In a press conference yesterday, Lubbock's police chief raised the issue of responsible gun ownership, especially around children. At the Texas House, bills that would restrict or ban the sale of THC products in Texas are up for a hearing before a key committee. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider says the main House bill is drawing stiff opposition from both opponents and supporters of THC consumables.

Health experts say driving up vaccination rates in affected areas is the most effective defense against this disease

Kennedy went to Gaines County in West Texas to comfort the families who have lost two young children due to measles. Kennedy — who has a history of spreading misinformation about vaccines — spoke to to the efficacy of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traveled to West Texas yesterday after a second child died in a Lubbock hospital from measles complications. KTTZ’s Samantha Larned reports this comes as a number of measles cases have been reported in a daycare in Lubbock County.

Lubbock Sen. Charles Perry's bill to address water scarcity across Texas passed through the state Senate unanimously this week. The City of Lubbock's health department is expected to be impacted by cuts to the CDC; Texas Public Radio's David Martin Davies reports on how this could affect response to the ongoing measles outbreak.

Katherine Wells was celebrated early during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then public health became a political litmus test.

Medical disinformation connected to the West Texas measles outbreak has created a new problem. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports children are being treated for toxic levels of vitamin A. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has the recap after the Texas Tech men’s basketball team’s tournament run came to an end in the Elite Eight.