With spring break underway, families in North Texas are excited for vacations, but health officials are on high alert regarding the potential spread of measles. Rising cases of this contagious disease have prompted local medical professionals and officials to take preventive measures, including vaccination clinics.

Vaccination Clinics in Response to Rising Cases

In an effort to curb the transmission of measles, at least one school district in the area, Garland Independent School District (GISD), is offering vaccinations for children who have not yet received the measles vaccine or require a second dose. A vaccination clinic at the GISD student services center is scheduled for Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parents or guardians must accompany their children and appointments are required.

Find more details about the vaccination clinic on the GISD website.

Potential for Spread Alarm Health Officials

As families embark on their travels, Stephen Love, President of the DFW Hospital Council, has voiced his concerns about the possible resurgence of measles in North Texas. He explains, “When I talk to the infectious disease doctors…there is a distinct possibility we could see the measles spread.”

Despite no confirmed cases in Tarrant County, health experts caution that lower vaccination rates in certain areas heighten the risk. Areas within Tarrant County and Dallas County exhibit vaccination rates below 90%, whereas a minimum of 95% is essential to effectively prevent outbreaks.

Historical Context of Measles Vaccination

The measles vaccine has a long-standing history of effectiveness, with over 60 years of proven results. Unfortunately, recent trends suggest that the efforts to eradicate measles in the United States are being jeopardized, largely due to pockets of unvaccinated individuals.

During the pandemic, health officials noted spikes in COVID-19 cases following spring break travel. This historical precedent adds to the urgency for vaccinations to prevent a similar situation with measles.

Current Measles Outbreaks in Texas

Statewide, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported nearly 200 measles cases, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals in West Texas. Alarmingly, one child has died due to complications from this outbreak. As of now, the outbreak has not extended beyond West Texas and eastern New Mexico, but the status remains under close monitoring.

The DSHS identified 80 of the reported cases as unvaccinated, while vaccination status remains unknown for 113 others involved in this outbreak.