Measles Cases in U.S. Surge, Outbreaks Spread Across Multiple States

AUSTIN, Texas — The United States has reported a troubling surge in measles cases, surpassing the total number documented throughout all of 2024. As of Friday, Texas has seen a significant rise in both infections and hospitalizations, prompting health experts to express growing concerns.

The multi-state outbreak has been fueled by undervaccinated communities, leading to at least two unvaccinated fatalities linked to measles. Other states experiencing active outbreaks include New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma, highlighting a concerning trend throughout the nation.

The Texas outbreak began earlier this year and has rapidly escalated. Health officials announced 59 new measles cases reported since last Tuesday, raising the total to 481 across 19 counties, most of which are in West Texas. Additionally, 14 new hospitalizations were recorded, bringing the total to 56.

Gaines County, home to approximately 22,892 residents, has been the hardest hit, accounting for more than 65% of Texas’s cases. This community, predominantly comprised of unvaccinated Mennonites, has reported 315 cases since late January—over 1% of the county’s population. “The spread of the virus in such a close-knit community raises serious concerns about broader public health ramifications,” said a local health authority.

Meanwhile, New Mexico reported six new cases on Friday, bringing its statewide total to 54. Health officials have confirmed these cases are linked to the outbreak in Texas through genetic testing. Most cases in New Mexico are concentrated in Lea County, with two individuals hospitalized. Additionally, New Mexico reported its first measles-related fatality in an adult earlier this month.

Kansas officials have logged 24 cases in six counties, with possible connections to the Texas outbreak. The state’s health department has stated that the initial case, detected on March 13, is connected to outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s case count remains at eight confirmed and two probable cases, attributed to exposure from nearby outbreaks.

Ohio has also reported a new measles case, as the state continues to monitor past outbreaks. Health officials confirmed a total of ten cases last week, primarily in Ashtabula County, tied to an unvaccinated individual who had traveled internationally.

Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that the current year has already seen 607 confirmed measles cases as of Friday, raising alarms about the declining vaccination rates across the country post-pandemic. “The rising number of cases is a direct consequence of communities with low vaccine coverage,” stated Dr. Robert Redfield, former CDC director.

Measles is an airborne virus capable of spreading through tiny respiratory droplets emitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Despite being preventable through vaccination, measles has seen a resurgence in areas with low vaccination rates, posing severe health risks, including potential complications like pneumonia and death.

The CDC recommends that children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, with the first dose administered between 12 to 15 months and a second dose between 4 to 6 years of age. Scott Weaver from the Global Virus Network emphasized that those at high risk, particularly individuals living with someone diagnosed with measles, should consider receiving a booster shot.

The current situation underscores the critical need for vaccine education and accessibility to combat outbreaks effectively. Public health officials are encouraging vaccination clinics and outreach programs to ensure community members understand the importance of immunization. “The best way to prevent future outbreaks is to maintain high vaccination coverage,” added Dr. Angela Dunn, a public health expert.