Rural Texas Faces Measles Outbreak Amid Public Health Challenges

The Texas Tribune (3/10, Salhotra) reports that Texas is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in 30 years, with at least 198 infections reported since late January and one child death, the first in a decade. Jennifer Shuford, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, indicated that more cases are expected, revealing rural communities’ vulnerabilities due to inadequate public health infrastructure. Many Texas counties lack hospitals and primary care providers, complicating vaccination efforts. Local health departments are improvising testing sites and relying on federal support, with 27 contractors deployed to assist. Despite an influx of funding aimed at improving public health, challenges remain, including community resistance to vaccination.