The outbreak of measles in Lubbock, Texas has worsened with six young children at a day care center testing positive for the virus. The total number of confirmed cases in the state has risen to 481, with 56 hospitalizations reported. The outbreak began at the Tiny Tots U Learning Academy, where children between the ages of 5 months and 3 years have tested positive. None of the affected children were fully vaccinated against measles, and the center is struggling to handle the situation due to a lack of guidance from health officials.
The United States is currently facing its largest measles outbreak in six years, with cases reported in multiple states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided minimal information on the outbreak, offering only weekly updates on its website. The CDC sent 2,000 doses of the MMR vaccine to Texas but has not held a news briefing on the outbreak. Funding cuts to community health departments have forced some areas to cancel vaccine clinics, further complicating efforts to control the spread of measles.
Public health officials are concerned about the potential for further outbreaks in day care centers, and are urging child care facilities to encourage families to get vaccinated. Unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to the virus are highly likely to become infected. The best course of action for child care owners is to closely monitor children for symptoms and isolate affected classrooms. The current outbreak underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of contagious diseases like measles.
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