AP and Texas Tribune reporters spent days in West Texas and eastern New Mexico, providing a nuanced look at life in the middle of Texas’ worst measles outbreak in 30 years. Their reporting included interviews with residents and medical professionals, as well as exclusive all-formats access to a Mennonite service—a critical focal point in the outbreak.
The outbreak surged in a region where AP no longer had staff, but photographer Julio Cortez and the Texas Tribune’s Odessa-based Carlos Nogueras Ramos made early inroads, establishing key contacts. They were later joined by Devi Shastri and Mary Conlon, who scoured the region to understand the factors driving the outbreak.
Shastri’s deep sourcing within Lubbock health organizations led AP to break the news of the first U.S. measles death in 10 years. Recognizing the gravity of the development, the team pivoted from a long-term enterprise project to a breaking news approach, ensuring timely and impactful coverage.
This multiformat collaboration showcased the power of partnering with local newsrooms, offering a comprehensive view into affected communities while reinforcing AP’s role in breaking public health news.
https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c
