Six young children at a day care center in Lubbock, Texas have tested positive for measles, adding to the already out-of-control outbreak in the state. This outbreak has spread to at least two other states, with more than a dozen other states and Washington, D.C. also dealing with measles cases. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 481 confirmed cases, with 56 hospitalizations since late January.
The outbreak at the Tiny Tots U Learning Academy began when a sick little girl tested positive on March 24. Children at the center, aged 5 months to 3 years old, were not fully vaccinated against measles. The owner of the center, Maegan Messick, expressed frustration with the lack of clear guidance on how to handle the outbreak.
The CDC has sent 2,000 doses of the MMR vaccine to Texas officials, but has not addressed the outbreak publicly. Funding cuts to community health departments have led to the cancelation of vaccine clinics in some areas.
Public health officials fear that the outbreak will continue to spread, with more outbreaks likely in other day care centers. Messick and her staff are monitoring the children closely for symptoms and isolating certain classrooms to reduce the risk of further spread. Families who choose not to vaccinate their children have been asked to keep them home for at least 21 days. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for lifetime protection against measles.
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