A measles outbreak has hit the Short Creek community, located on the Utah-Arizona border, with 161 confirmed cases. This is the second-largest outbreak in the U.S. this year, fueled by low vaccination rates, similar to the West Texas outbreak impacting Mennonites. The community’s history includes government raids, a former leader (Warren Jeffs) who spread misinformation about vaccines, and the disruption of health care systems, which has contributed to vaccine hesitancy. However, as the outbreak continues, there has been a noticeable increase in vaccination rates, demonstrating a shift in attitudes towards immunization within Short Creek.
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Measles outbreaks in South Carolina and Minnesota have led to significant quarantines and remote learning for unvaccinated children. In South Carolina, 153 students are under quarantine, while in Minnesota, 118 students face similar restrictions due to exposure to the highly contagious virus. Health officials have indicated active, unrecognized community transmission is occurring, highlighting the need for preventative measures to mitigate further spread. Vaccination rates below 95% in impacted areas are cited as a contributing factor in these outbreaks.
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South Carolina health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak in the Upstate region, with eight cases reported as of Wednesday, five of which are part of a newly identified outbreak. The outbreak is defined as three or more linked cases, and the individuals involved are unvaccinated. Health officials are concerned about the rapid spread of the highly contagious disease in communities with low immunization rates, as the source of some cases is unknown, indicating unrecognized community spread. To prevent further spread, officials urge those feeling ill to stay home, notify healthcare providers, and cooperate with investigations, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
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The recent measles outbreak in Texas, which began in late January and infected 762 people, has officially ended, according to state health officials. The outbreak met the criteria for closure, with no new cases confirmed in over 42 days. The outbreak, linked to cases in Canada and Mexico, led to two deaths and 100 hospitalizations in Texas, and primarily impacted under-vaccinated communities in West Texas. State health officials attributed the outbreak’s containment to robust testing, vaccination efforts, and public education.
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Alberta’s measles outbreak has surpassed the total number of cases reported in the United States this year, reaching 1,314 cases as of early July. Health officials are concerned about the rapid rate of transmission and the potential for underreporting, particularly in light of summer gatherings and the upcoming school year. Experts are calling for mass vaccination clinics and targeted campaigns, particularly for children and those in high-risk groups. Despite the severity of the situation, the Alberta government maintains that its response is effective, citing expanded vaccination clinics and outreach efforts.
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The United States is facing its highest measles case count in 33 years, with an ongoing outbreak in West Texas being a major contributor. This surge in cases, with the official tally potentially underestimating the true scope, comes as vaccination rates have fallen below critical thresholds in some communities. This decline is partially attributed to the pandemic disrupting routine medical visits and increased influence of anti-vaccine groups. The situation is further complicated by the spread of misinformation and the actions of those in positions of power who are anti-vaccine.
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The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, with over 1,277 confirmed cases reported by early July. This figure surpasses the peak year of 2019, leading to increased hospitalizations and putting a strain on health care systems. The majority of cases are concentrated in West Texas, originating from an undervaccinated community, and are occurring amid declining childhood vaccination rates nationwide. Public health officials are implementing intensified vaccination campaigns and contact tracing to combat the spread, while monitoring international travel patterns to prevent further outbreaks.
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The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in a quarter-century, surpassing the 2019 record with at least 1,277 confirmed cases in 2025. A major outbreak in West Texas, linked to low vaccination rates, has been a primary driver, with additional cases connected to the outbreak appearing across the country. The highly contagious nature of measles, coupled with declining vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy, has resulted in multiple deaths and outbreaks in various states, threatening the nation’s measles elimination status. Experts suggest the actual number of cases is likely significantly underreported, further escalating the public health concern.
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Alberta’s measles outbreak has surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases, with experts deeming containment impossible due to high transmission rates. The surge, particularly impacting the south, central, and northern zones with low vaccination rates, has resulted in over 85 hospitalizations and one current ICU admission. Infectious disease specialists warn of potential future deaths, given measles’ serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and long-term neurological effects. Urgent calls for vaccination are being made to mitigate the ongoing crisis and prevent further spread.
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Six Ontario infants were born with congenital measles, all recovering, due to their unvaccinated mothers’ infection during the largest Western Hemisphere measles outbreak. This outbreak, exceeding 2,000 cases in Ontario alone, threatens Canada’s elimination status for the disease, achieved in 1998. The outbreak resulted in a fatality, a premature infant who contracted measles in utero. While vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy, intravenous immunoglobulin is advised for unvaccinated pregnant people exposed to measles, though some refuse this option as well.
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John Q. Hosedrinker