Texas is at the center of a growing public health crisis as measles cases surge at an alarming rate. With over 198 confirmed cases—more than half the total reported in the entire U.S. last year—the outbreak has health officials and advocacy groups sounding the alarm. Children remain the most vulnerable, making up over 80% of reported cases, with one tragic child fatality recorded. Measles, a highly contagious virus, threatens up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals upon exposure, making it imperative for families to take immediate preventive measures.

To address this escalating crisis, CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) hosted a critical discussion with top pediatric and infectious disease experts on Tuesday, March 11, at 10:00 A.M. CT via a Facebook Live event (https://www.facebook.com/childrenatrisk). This press conference aimed to equip families with life-saving information and practical steps to safeguard their children and high-risk loved ones.

Panel of Experts

The event featured renowned healthcare professionals, including:

• Dr. Bob Sanborn, President & CEO, CHILDREN AT RISK
• Terri Burke, Executive Director, The Immunization Partnership
• Dr. Marsha Griffin, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
• Dr. Michael Chang, Pediatric Infectious Disease Physician, UTHealth Houston
• Dr. Gilbert Handal, Professor of Pediatrics & Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• Marta Cuellar, Chair for Child Advocacy, Texas Tech University

The Looming Threat: Why Measles is a Major Concern

Once thought to be eradicated in the U.S., measles has made a concerning comeback due to declining vaccination rates. Over half of Texas counties have fallen below the critical 95% herd immunity threshold, leaving millions of children at risk. Measles is more than just a rash—it can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation, blindness, and even death. The current outbreak exposes weaknesses in Texas' healthcare infrastructure, particularly in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), where medical access is already limited. With 224 counties—88% of the state—lacking primary care providers within a 50-mile radius, over 6.1 million Texans face increased difficulty in accessing treatment.

A Call to Action: Community Protection Through Vaccination

Health leaders stress that the best defense against measles is vaccination. “We thought we had measles beat, but this outbreak proves the fight is far from over,” said Dr. Bob Sanborn of CHILDREN AT RISK. “Protecting our children must be our priority.”

Terri Burke, Executive Director of The Immunization Partnership, echoed this sentiment: “Measles is not just a childhood illness—it can have life-threatening consequences. The loss of even one child to this preventable disease is unacceptable.”

What Families Can Do Now

• Ensure children are up to date on MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccinations.
• Know the symptoms: High fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by a red rash.
• Seek immediate medical attention if measles symptoms appear.
• Join the conversation on March 11 and stay informed about the latest public health developments.

The Bottom Line

The resurgence of measles in Texas is a wake-up call. Public awareness and proactive measures, especially vaccination, are key to preventing further spread. As Texas battles this outbreak, collective action from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and families is essential to protecting the state’s 7.48 million children and ensuring a healthier future.

🔗 More Information: https://www.facebook.com/childrenatrisk