Measles cases are surging across the country at alarming rates, with nearly 500 confirmed infections in 19 states – and it’s way worse than we thought. The outbreak has already claimed the life of a child in Texas, marking the first measles death in a decade as federal health officials scramble to contain its spread.
At a glance:
• CDC has confirmed 483 measles cases across 19 states, the highest since 2019
• Texas leads with 400 cases, followed by New Mexico with 44
• One unvaccinated child has died in Texas, the first measles fatality in a decade
• 97% of cases are in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status
• Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles infection
Outbreak Spreads Across America
The United States is experiencing its most severe measles resurgence in years, with five states officially declaring outbreaks in the past year. Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, and Ohio are currently battling the highly contagious disease that was once declared eliminated in America.
Texas has been hit hardest with 400 confirmed cases, primarily stemming from two unvaccinated adults in Houston who triggered widespread transmission. The outbreak has particularly affected Gaines County, an area with notoriously low vaccination rates among school-aged children.
New Mexico follows with 44 confirmed cases, while Ohio recently joined the growing list of affected states. The CDC has reported that 70 people have been hospitalized due to complications from the virus, highlighting the serious nature of the disease.
Vaccination Rates Declining
The outbreaks coincide with data showing vaccination rates among U.S. kindergarteners have fallen below 93% for the 2023-2024 school year. This decline, some scientists say, has created pockets of vulnerability where the highly contagious virus can spread rapidly among unprotected populations.
“The fact that we now have a measles case in Ohio adds emphasis to the importance of being fully vaccinated,” said Bruce Vanderhoff, Director of Health. “This disease can be very serious, but it is preventable. I strongly encourage you to protect yourselves and your children by getting vaccinated.”
Health officials note that 97% of cases are occurring in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Children and adolescents represent 75% of all cases, with those 19 and younger being particularly vulnerable to infection.
U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken a nuanced position on the outbreak, however, acknowledging its seriousness while maintaining his long-held position on medical freedom. “The decision to vaccinate is a personal one,” Kennedy stated. The new HHS Secretary has also told Americans that the best defense against diseases like this is good nutrition and health.
Prevention Remains Key
The CDC emphasizes that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against measles infection, with even a single dose offering 93% effectiveness. Health officials are urging unvaccinated individuals to get immunized, especially as spring and summer travel seasons approach.
“Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities,” officials warned. Measles is extremely infectious and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
The affected jurisdictions include Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York state, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington state. Each state is implementing containment measures to prevent further spread.
Despite the concerning numbers, the CDC maintains that “the risk for widespread measles in the US remains low” due to high overall vaccination rates. However, public health officials remain vigilant as the number of cases continues to climb in affected regions.
