ArchivesMeasles spotted locally!Measles spotted locally!The diagnosis is official, and we have measles. “The Dallam-Hartley Counties Hospital District has confirmed a small number of measles cases within our community,” DHCHD stated in a press release Saturday. “While this news is concerning, it is important to note that our counties have a very high vaccination rate, and the MMR vaccine has proven to be 97% effective in preventing the disease with two doses given, and 93% effective in preventing the disease with one dose given.” The district is prevented from releasing information about the persons infected, including age or county of residence. As of Monday, 90 cases of measles, mostly in children under the age of 17, have been reported. in the South Plains region Texas, primarily Gaines and Terry counties, with nine more in New Mexico’s Lea County. Gaines County reported one of the highest rates of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated school-aged children in Texas, with only 86% of K-12 children in the 2023-24 school year receiving all their recommended dosages. Prior to the 1963 vaccine, nearly every American teenager contracted measles by age 15, killing around 500 people each year. The disease was declared eliminated—meaning no continuous, endemic transmission—in the US in 2000. Officials have not determined the origin of the current outbreak. Of the 90 cases reported in Texas, five had been vaccinated against the disease while the rest were either unvaccinated or had unknown status. Sixteen of the 90 patients have been hospitalized, but there is no known cure or treatment. The viral airborne disease is highly contagious, causing rashes, fever, and respiratory issues—children under 5 and immunocompromised people are at higher risk. Local and state health experts believe that the risk of a widespread outbreak in this area is highly unlikely due to the robust vaccination noted amongst our population, hospital officials said. “DHCHD has extensive plans prepared should an outbreak occur, and we are committed to closely monitoring the situation,” said Melissa Bundy, DJCHD CEO. The vaccination rate at Dalhart ISD for 2023-24 was 98.4%, with Channing Independent School District at 91.67%. Amazingly, both Hartley and Texline schools were at 100%! Locally, the Dalhart Family Medical Clinic has the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine available for those in need. The state is also ready to provide any necessary support to ensure the health and safety of our community, DHCHD assures everyone. “We encourage all residents who would like to be vaccinated or who are unaware of their vaccination status to call DFMC to schedule an appointment at 1-806-244-5668 or consult their healthcare provider to receive the vaccine,” Bundy said. Vaccines are available at the clinic for children with no insurance, she assured parents. “We remain committed to keeping the public informed and protecting the health of our community and region.” For the full story SUBSCRIBE to the online edition of The Dalhart Texan, call (806) 244-4511 to setup a subscription to our physical paper or pick a copy up at one of our many convenient news rack locations. You can also stop by and purchase a paper or subscription in person at our news office located at 410 Denrock Ave. |
