Mexico Issues Urgent Warning for Travelers as Measles Spreads in Texas, US

The outbreak, which began in mid-February in West Texas, has led to 146 confirmed cases as of Friday, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Tragically, an unvaccinated child in Lubbock succumbed to complications from the virus last week.

The majority of infections have been reported in Gaines County, with 98 cases. Other affected counties include:

Among the infected, at least 79 individuals were unvaccinated, and minors account for most of the cases. Children under 18 make up 116 infections, with 46 cases in children under 5 and 70 cases in those aged 5-17.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact with respiratory droplets. Symptoms typically include:

The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) provides strong protection against the virus, significantly reducing the risk of infection and severe complications. Health officials recommend that children as young as six months receive the vaccine before traveling to outbreak areas.

Mexican authorities are advising travelers heading to Texas to take the following precautions:

Texas health officials continue to monitor the situation, urging vaccination efforts to curb the spread of the virus.