The Latest Breaking News from Katherine Wells

Measles has sickened nearly 150 mostly unvaccinated people in rural West Texas, and a school-age child has died

In rural West Texas, measles has sickened nearly 150 people, most of them unvaccinated. A school-age child has died. The virus is spreading among Gaines County’s Mennonite community, where government mandates are not trusted.

Two of the four cases are in Lubbock, which hasn’t seen a case in more than 20 years. Meanwhile, measles vaccination rates in Texas have fallen over the last four years.

The states are blocking efforts to promote vaccines and giving advice that is at odds with public health experts

Syphilis rates in Texas continue to climb, alarming healthcare workers who see the highest increases among pregnant people and newborns. A shortage of treatment is complicating efforts to combat it.