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The West Texas Measles Outbreak and Student Absences. EdWorkingPaper No. 25-1358

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The West Texas Measles Outbreak and Student Absences. EdWorkingPaper No. 25-1358
Language: English
Authors: Thomas S. Dee, Sofia Wilson, Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Source: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. 2025.
Availability: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. Brown University Box 1985, Providence, RI 02912. Tel: 401-863-7990; Fax: 401-863-1290; e-mail: annenberg@brown.edu; Web site: https://annenberg.brown.edu/
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Descriptors: Communicable Diseases, Attendance, Age Differences, Immunization Programs, Public Health, Public Schools, School Districts, Elementary Secondary Education
Geographic Terms: Texas
Abstract: Declining child-vaccination rates are driving a measles resurgence in the US, yet little evidence documents how these outbreaks may disrupt schooling. Using daily absence data from a school district at the center of the West Texas outbreak, this preregistered analysis finds absences increased 41 percent relative to the within-year variation from two prior years, with larger effects among younger students. This increase is 10 times greater than expected from confirmed infections, suggesting substantial precautionary absences and possible infection undercounting. These findings provide early evidence on the impact of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks on learning opportunities, with implications for broader child development.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: ED678260
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Declining child-vaccination rates are driving a measles resurgence in the US, yet little evidence documents how these outbreaks may disrupt schooling. Using daily absence data from a school district at the center of the West Texas outbreak, this preregistered analysis finds absences increased 41 percent relative to the within-year variation from two prior years, with larger effects among younger students. This increase is 10 times greater than expected from confirmed infections, suggesting substantial precautionary absences and possible infection undercounting. These findings provide early evidence on the impact of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks on learning opportunities, with implications for broader child development.