Measles

Vaccination eliminated measles from the U.S. 25 years ago. But it can still spread in pockets where vaccination rates are low, like the west Texas county with a current outbreak. Here's how fast.

The first death in relation to the region’s ongoing measles outbreak was confirmed by the City of Lubbock and Department of State Health Services yesterday morning. Our Samantha Larned has more from local health officials. The Texas Lottery is under scrutiny following two jackpot controversies that’ve raised questions about the system's integrity. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez explains the investigations.

The first death in relation to the ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas has been confirmed by local and state health officials. The patient was an unvaccinated school-aged child, hospitalized in Lubbock last week.

The outbreak is primarily affecting West Texas, but officials in San Antonio, New Braunfels and San Marcos are monitoring cases after an infected person recently visited the area, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Lubbock’s city council approved a zoning change yesterday that would allow for the construction of a high-rise student housing facility in the Tech Terrace neighborhood. Our reporter Samantha Larned gives the latest on the measles outbreak in West Texas and a free vaccine clinic hosted by Lubbock Public Health for unvaccinated individuals. The clinics run through Thursday, 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. and this Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 P.M. at the public health building at 2015 50th Street.

The largest measles outbreak in decades has reached San Antonio and San Marcos. Officials say an individual who tested positive for the virus in West Texas traveled to two major universities and one of the nation's busiest tourist attractions — the San Antonio River Walk.

A measles-positive person from West Texas visited high-traffic areas in San Marcos, San Antonio, and New Braunfels this month, prompting a public health alert in the area. After the Texas House announced their proposal to address both public education spending and the creation of a school-voucher-like program, Texas Public Radio Education Reporter Camille Phillips tells us the bills fall far short of what public education advocates say is needed for schools.

Local health officials are watching the sharp rise in measles cases among rural West Texas communities, with more cases expected to be confirmed over the next few weeks. Still, they are confident in overall protection from the virus after more than 50 years of immunizations.

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.

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