The measles outbreak in western Texas has surged to 309 cases, surpassing the total number of cases recorded nationwide in 2024. According to new data released on Friday (March 21), 30 new cases have been reported in the past three days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the United States had 285 measles cases in 2024.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) noted that nearly all cases are among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Only two cases involved people fully vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. At least 40 people have been hospitalized.
Children and teenagers aged five to 17 represent the majority of cases, with 130 infections, followed by 102 cases in children aged four and under. Tragically, there have been two U.S. deaths linked to measles this year. One confirmed death involved an unvaccinated school-aged child in Texas, marking the first U.S. measles death in a decade.
New Mexico has reported 42 measles cases this year, with many in Lea County, which borders Texas. Health officials suspect a connection between the Texas and New Mexico cases, but no link has been confirmed. The CDC has confirmed 301 measles cases in at least 14 states this year, including Texas and New Mexico.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine, which are 93% and 97% effective in preventing measles. In response to the outbreak, the CDC advised parents in affected areas to consider early vaccination for children between 6 and 11 months old, followed by the regular vaccination schedule.
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