The measles virus is making an alarming comeback across America, with five states now battling active outbreaks. Texas leads with a staggering 400 cases across 17 counties — primarily in West Texas — with 73 new infections reported in just the last week. The U.S. has already surpassed last year’s total case count, raising serious concerns among health officials.
New Mexico follows with 44 cases, genetically linked to the Texas outbreak. Kansas has reported 23 cases across six southwestern counties, while Ohio has identified 10 cases in Ashtabula County. Oklahoma remains steady with nine cases, seven confirmed and two probable.
The human toll is mounting. Two unvaccinated individuals have died from measles-related complications since February — a school-age child in Texas and an adult in New Mexico. Forty-one people have been hospitalized in Texas alone.
Health experts fear these outbreaks could persist for a year or longer in communities with insufficient vaccination rates. The World Health Organization has confirmed that cases in Mexico are connected to the Texas outbreak, highlighting the virus’s cross-border spread.
Measles, eliminated from the U.S. since 2000, is highly contagious and spreads through airborne transmission when infected individuals breathe, cough or sneeze. The virus initially attacks the respiratory system before spreading throughout the body, causing high fevers exceeding 104°F, runny nose, cough, watery eyes and a distinctive rash that begins on the face before spreading downward.
While most children recover, complications can be severe — including pneumonia, blindness, brain inflammation and death. No specific treatment exists; medical care focuses on symptom management and complication prevention.
Public health officials emphasize that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective protection. Children typically receive their first dose between 12-15 months and a second between ages 4-6. Some experts suggest booster shots for high-risk individuals in outbreak areas, especially those living with infected persons or those with underlying medical conditions.
The concept of “herd immunity” requires approximately 95% vaccination rates to prevent community spread. However, childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic, with more parents claiming religious or personal exemptions from required immunizations.
As cases continue to appear in additional states, including California, Florida and New York, health authorities urge vigilance and prompt vaccination to contain what could become the largest measles resurgence since the 1,274 cases reported in 2019.
Read more: Texas reaches 400 measles cases as U.S. deals with outbreaks in 5 states
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