MEASLES OUTBREAK Shocks Texas Mennonite Community
— A MEASLES outbreak is striking the Mennonite population in West Texas, especially in Gaines County. The Mennonites are part of a larger Anabaptist group with diverse beliefs and leadership. This variety sometimes leads to tense relations with public authorities, including health officials.
The Anabaptist tradition began in 1525 during the Protestant Reformation and includes groups like the Amish and Hutterites. These communities often focus on non-violence, adult baptism, and staying separate from mainstream society. Historical persecution has left some Anabaptists suspicious of government authorities today.
Mennonite practices range widely — from those who blend into mainstream culture to those keeping traditional lifestyles like the Amish, including limited technology use and traditional dress codes. The specific community affected by this outbreak in Gaines County is not clear but has a unique history within the region.
