Measles Surge In US: Nearly 500 Cases Confirmed, Texas Worst Affected

The United States is facing a significant measles outbreak, with 483 confirmed cases reported across 20 jurisdictions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Texas has been the hardest hit, with the state’s health department confirming 400 cases as of March 28. The CDC explains that 97 per cent of these cases have been detected in people who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status remains unknown. 75 per cent of those affected are under the age of 19.

Apart from Texas, other states are also witnessing a surge in infections. In New Mexico, the number of measles cases climbed to 44 on March 29, up from 43 cases reported just days earlier. Meanwhile, Mexico has also reported a spike in cases, prompting an intensified vaccination campaign. The Mexican Health Minister, David Kershenobich, stated that 43 cases have been confirmed, with 39 of them concentrated in the northern state of Chihuahua, largely linked to imported infections. More than half of these cases have been detected in children under nine years old.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. It initially presents flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Within a few days, small white spots known as Koplik’s spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by a characteristic red rash that starts on the face and spreads downward across the body.

While measles is often self-limiting, severe complications can arise, especially in young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. These complications include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), blindness, and in severe cases, death.

The outbreak comes amid a controversial move by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has announced plans to lay off 10,000 employees and shut down half of its regional offices. Kennedy, a vocal critic of vaccines, has sparked concern among public health experts by downplaying the importance of immunization against measles, a disease that was once nearly eradicated in the U.S.

His stance on vaccines has alarmed health professionals, who warn that vaccine hesitancy could exacerbate the current outbreak and lead to further public health crises. Experts stress that vaccination is the most effective tool in preventing measles and its associated complications.

To curb the spread of measles, the CDC strongly recommends that individuals receive the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides approximately 97 per cent protection after two doses. Other preventive measures include:

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.