In Lubbock, Texas, six young children at a day care center have tested positive for measles, contributing to an already out-of-control outbreak that has spread to multiple states. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported a 14% increase in confirmed cases, bringing the total to 481. At the Tiny Tots U Learning Academy, the outbreak began on March 24 with a sick little girl who later tested positive. None of the children at the day care were fully vaccinated against measles.
The CDC has provided limited guidance on handling measles outbreaks in large day care centers like Tiny Tots U. The U.S. is currently facing its largest measles outbreak in six years, but the CDC has not held a news briefing on the issue. Funding cuts have forced some areas to cancel vaccine clinics, increasing the risk of further outbreaks.
The cases at the Lubbock day care center are likely linked to the epicenter of the outbreak in Gaines County. Lubbock’s public health director has expressed concern about the potential for more outbreaks in child care centers. The staff at Tiny Tots U is closely monitoring children for symptoms and isolating affected classrooms to minimize the risk of further spread.
They are also urging other child care facilities to encourage families to get the MMR vaccine. Unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to the virus are highly likely to become infected. The best prevention measure is getting vaccinated, as two doses of the MMR vaccine provide lifetime protection against measles.
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