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. The outbreak has spread to at least two other states, with more than a dozen states and Washington, D.C. dealing with unrelated cases of measles. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported a 14% increase in confirmed cases, bringing the total to 481, with 56 people hospitalized since late January. The outbreak at the Tiny Tots U Learning Academy began on March 24, when a sick child tested positive. None of the infected children were fully vaccinated against measles.
The day care center, with approximately 230 children, has been working with local health officials to address the outbreak. The CDC has not provided clear guidance on how to handle measles in such a large day care setting. The U.S. is facing its largest measles outbreak in six years, but the CDC has been relatively silent on the issue, only providing weekly updates on its website and sending an alert to doctors.
The outbreak is likely linked to Gaines County, the epicenter of the outbreak. Health officials are concerned about the potential for further outbreaks in other day care centers. The day care center is taking measures to reduce the risk of further spread by closely monitoring children for symptoms and isolating certain classrooms. Families who choose not to vaccinate their children have been asked to keep them home for at least 21 days. The best defense against measles is the MMR vaccine, which provides almost lifetime protection.
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