Summary

Texas is grappling with a 90-case measles outbreak across seven counties, centered in Gaines County with low vaccination rates.

Another nine cases have cropped up in nearby Lea County, New Mexico, though no direct connection has been established.

Most cases are unvaccinated children under 18. Measles, among the most contagious viruses, can lead to high fevers, rash, pneumonia, and even fatalities.

Officials warn the outbreak could grow as vaccine-preventable coverage remains low.

  • @[email protected]
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    501 day ago

    Pure speculation on my part, but I would guess that parents who don’t vaccinate their children tend to operate in the same social circles, meaning their children are more likely to spend time together. This will only exacerbate the problem.

    • @Zachariah
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      381 day ago

      …tend to operate in the same social circles go to the same church…

      • @[email protected]
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        231 day ago

        It’s not just church that pushes anti-vaxx behavior, though. You’ve got new-age anti vaxxers as well. I’m not saying there’s no overlap, but it’s not exclusive to fundamental Christians.

        • @[email protected]
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          151 day ago

          The commonality is extolling faith as a virtue. That is the violence that is being done to society that is nearly universal to all religious people. If society encouraged people to believe in things only to the same extent that they have evidence for them, this would be a very different world.