Mennonites living in Texas are facing a measles epidemic that is spreading westward to New Mexico. The outbreak has raised concerns with public health officials, and underscored the importance for vaccination.
Why this Texas Measles outbreak matters
The measles is on the rise in America. This disease was declared eradicated in 2000 in part due to the MMR vaccine (measles mumps rubella), which had been developed 30 years earlier. In the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic and subsequent rise in vaccine hesitation, a large population has become vulnerable, including children.
The experts warn that a growing anti-vaccine attitude could result in outbreaks of childhood diseases such as measles or polio. These conditions were once thought to be eradicated from the United States. Public health and vaccine policy discussions are essential for the community’s well-being.
Texas Measles Outbreak: Facts and Figures
Gaines County in Texas is the epicenter of this measles epidemic. It has approximately 22,000 inhabitants. The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported that 90 cases have been confirmed in Gaines and Dawson counties, Terry county, Yoakum county, as of last Friday.
In Texas, 85 percent of measles cases are in children. This shows the high vulnerability of these young patients.
Lara Anton of the Texas Department of State Health Services said that the majority of measles patients are from the Mennonite Community, who have not been adequately vaccinated.
In 2010, The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal stated that about one-fifth Gaines county residents identify as Mennonite. The Mennonites are a group of Christian groups that have their roots in the Protestant Reformation. They adhere to principles such as nonresistance and pacifism.
New Mexico Department of Health, in response to the spread of the measles outbreak into Lea County (New Mexico), organized free clinics of vaccination, stressing the need for a quick containment of the virus.
As Dr. Maniar explains, when you combine measles – a disease that is highly contagious – with a population whose vaccination rates are below what’s needed for herd immune protection, it creates a very dangerous scenario.
Up to 90% of individuals who are not vaccinated and exposed to measles will be infected. The symptoms of measles can manifest up to 4 days after exposure, so individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus.
Dr. Maniar pointed out that the vaccination of children against measles, although 97% efficient, does not offer complete protection.
Understand Mennonite beliefs on vaccination
As noted by The Texas StandardThe Mennonite Church does not oppose vaccination uniformly. Religion leaders claim that vaccine exemptions are not theologically justified. Some have expressed an openness towards promoting COVID-19.
Anton of Texas Department of State Health Services says, “The Church is not to blame for the lack of vaccination.” All personal choices are allowed. “It’s not that the community does not go to regular health care.” The Mennonite faith is a community that values individual freedom.
In the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic, the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches published a statement Clarifying that “their practice doesn’t provide the necessary justification for granting an exemption on religious grounds based upon theological convictions held by the denomination.” It was acknowledged that members could have strong personal views against vaccination.
USMB acknowledges that not everyone thinks or believes the same way. Some people may hold deeply-held convictions regarding receiving a COVID vaccination, which others do not. USMB cannot make an official statement that would back up a person’s religious belief based on the theological or doctrine opposition of our church to this vaccine. The statement said that this would be a violation of integrity.
Texas State Historical Association states that one of the reasons the Mennonite communities settled around Gaines County is the restricted regulation on private schools.
Dr. Osterholm believes that by working with local leaders, public health officials and community leaders could effectively raise awareness of the measles virus as well as increase vaccination rates. In other communities such as Minneapolis’ Somali Community, similar vaccination campaigns have been successful.
Osterholm stresses the importance of proactive vaccination campaigns, especially in light of heightened antivaccine sentiment. People can be comfortable not being vaccinated if there’s no viral outbreak. He said that the problem was, it can change very quickly, as seen in Gaines county.
Once an outbreak begins, it is possible to try to catch up by vaccinating. “You still have many cases that could lead to serious illness or even death.”
Dr. Maniar stresses that officials from the public health department should work with community leaders who are trusted to inform people about measles vaccinations and their benefits. When it comes to health education, he says, “That’s a crucial factor. It is really making this a partnership with the community.” It is important to take time to learn about the different perspectives on vaccination and to then educate everyone in an honest, transparent way. To mitigate current and potential outbreaks, health officials must “move fast” in order to establish trust with these communities.
Measles symptoms and signs
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles can cause serious complications in young children, particularly those under five.
Common measles symptoms include a high fever (potentially exceeding 104°F), cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a characteristic rash, according to the CDC. The CDC warns that pneumonia and encephalitis are more serious complications.
According to the CDC, a single MMR dose is 93% effective. Two doses offer 97% protection from measles. The first dose should be given between the ages of 12 to 15 months and the second between the ages of four to six years.
Almost all public schools require the MMR vaccine. However, some states may allow for religious or medical exemptions.
Dr. Mainar suggests using N95 masks to protect yourself from measles when you are in close contact with someone suspected of having the disease. Surgery masks can be less effective.
Dr. Maniar says that individuals who were vaccinated against the measles are protected from severe complications. Dr. Maniar adds that those who were vaccinated prior to 1968 may want to speak with their doctor about a possible booster shot.
Views of the Measles Outbreak
Albert Pilkington (CEO of Seminole Hospital District) speaking The Texas Standard: “There’s a Mennonite community that lives pretty close by, and they, well, don’t like to put foreign substances in their bodies. This falls under the category of vaccines. “And so you know, when the disease begins with just one person it is almost like a fire that burns through dry hay.
In a recent statement, the Texas Department of State Health Services said that it was committed to promoting health in Texas. The Hill: Mennonite churches allow for a free choice of vaccination, and they are not generally against vaccination. Mennonite churches don’t regularly seek out traditional health care, and so aren’t prompted to have their children vaccinated on a regular basis.
Look Ahead
Dr. Osterholm says that the Texas outbreak of measles may “be a sign” of future outbreaks due to anti-vaccination sentiments. It is not clear how to avoid further outbreaks. It’s unfortunate that this pockets of children who are not fully vaccinated can lead to serious and even deadly outcomes, he said.
Dr. Mainar is concerned that vaccines in the U.S. are “moving backwards” rather than forward. Dr. Mainar concludes, “There is no need for measles to be a problem in this country or in any other part of the world, as we already have a safe and highly effective vaccine.”