Measles Death Confirmed in Lubbock as Texas Outbreak Surges

A school-aged child who had not been vaccinated died at Covenant Children's Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. This is the first death in the state that was linked to measles. The death, which was revealed at a press conference on February 26, shows how bad the outbreak is getting in West Texas.

As of late January, 124 cases of measles have been recorded in nine counties, and 18 of those people have been hospitalized, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The outbreak started in Gaines County. The hospital says that none of the patients were immunized.

The chief medical officer at Covenant Health Hospital, Dr. Lara Johnson, said that treatment focuses on supporting care, such as oxygen therapy. She did say, though, that getting a vaccine is the best way to avoid getting measles.

Johnson said, "When we say the vaccine is 93% effective, almost all vaccinated people would not get the illness even if exposed." The MMR vaccine gives you 97% more protection after two doses.

United and Market Street pharmacies in Lubbock now offer the MMR vaccine because of the outbreak. Covenant Children's Hospital CEO Dr. Amy Thompson told the public that the hospital is ready for any future measles cases and has more than 20 negative pressure rooms ready to care for patients.

Health officials say that anyone who isn't sure if they've been vaccinated should check with their local health department. Texas has a system for keeping track of immunizations.

‍