Measles cases in the U.S. have reached a record high, exceeding the 2019 peak and marking the worst outbreak since the 1990s. The current surge, primarily driven by a large outbreak spanning Texas and neighboring states, surpasses the size of any single outbreak since measles elimination was declared in 2000. At least 935 cases have been reported nationally, with a significant portion linked to the Texas outbreak, and the true number is likely higher due to underreporting. While the rate of new cases in Texas appears to be slowing, officials warn it’s too early to declare the outbreak over.
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Texas’ measles outbreak, originating in late January, now includes 597 confirmed cases, with 36 new cases reported. Sixty-two patients required hospitalization, and tragically, two school-aged children have died. Ten counties currently experience ongoing measles transmission, highlighting the continued spread despite claims to the contrary. Prevention relies solely on two doses of the MMR vaccine.
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Despite recommending measles vaccination, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. inaccurately claimed the vaccine lacks comprehensive safety testing and offers short-lived protection, contradicting established medical consensus. His approach, emphasizing unproven treatments and framing vaccination as a personal choice, has drawn criticism from medical experts amid a significant measles outbreak fueled by vaccine hesitancy. This outbreak, the largest since 2019, underscores concerns about the potential loss of measles elimination status in the U.S., exacerbated by Kennedy’s dissemination of misinformation regarding vaccine safety and efficacy. While acknowledging the need for ongoing safety studies, medical professionals strongly affirm the safety and long-term effectiveness of the MMR vaccine.
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The measles outbreak in Texas continues to escalate, with the reported case count now surpassing 500. This represents a significant increase from previous updates, which showed fluctuating daily additions of new cases. One day, 59 new cases were reported, while other days saw increases in the 20s and 70s. The sheer number of new infections demonstrates the rapid spread of the virus within the affected communities.
The rising number of cases is alarming, particularly given the reported increase in hospitalizations. The number of hospitalizations is now at 57, a concerning statistic that highlights the severity of the illness for some individuals.… Continue reading
The Texas measles outbreak continues to escalate, with the official count now reaching 327 confirmed cases. This represents a significant increase, with eighteen new infections confirmed in just the last five days alone. This surge follows previous updates reporting thirty, twenty, and thirty-six new cases in the days leading up to this latest count.
The rapid growth of this outbreak is deeply concerning, especially considering the relatively low number of cases reported nationally in 2020 – only thirteen. The current situation underscores the critical importance of vaccination, not only for measles but also for rubella, which is often included in the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.… Continue reading
Measles cases linked to an outbreak in Texas have reached a staggering 309, a number that surpasses the nationwide total for measles cases in 2024. This alarming figure underscores a serious public health crisis stemming from preventable causes. The sheer scale of this outbreak is deeply concerning, particularly given the availability of a safe and effective vaccine.
The rapid escalation of cases is alarming, with daily updates showing significant increases. This highlights the highly contagious nature of measles and the potential for rapid spread within communities, especially those with low vaccination rates. The consistent rise in numbers, with fluctuations in the daily reported cases, paints a picture of an uncontrolled outbreak that demands immediate and decisive action.… Continue reading
New Jersey reports three confirmed measles cases, linked to a single internationally-travelled individual, highlighting the virus’s high contagiousness and the risk posed by unvaccinated individuals. These cases follow a larger outbreak in West Texas, resulting in one death and 124 cases across nine counties, emphasizing the continued threat of measles despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Low vaccination rates, particularly in certain communities, contribute to the spread of this potentially deadly disease. Public health officials are actively working to increase vaccination rates and contain the outbreaks through clinics and educational outreach.
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Texas is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in three decades, with at least 90 cases and 16 hospitalizations in the South Plains region. The majority of cases are in unvaccinated children and teenagers, largely due to parental choice or unknown vaccination status; Gaines County, with a high exemption rate, is the epicenter. This surge follows a nationwide increase in measles cases, reaching the highest number since 2019. The outbreak coincides with the confirmation of an anti-vaccine activist to a national health position, raising further concerns.
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Following a measles outbreak in Texas, Senator Bill Cassidy reiterated the safety and efficacy of the measles vaccine. This announcement prompted immediate backlash due to his recent confirmation vote for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known anti-vaccine advocate, as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Cassidy defended his vote, citing extensive conversations with Kennedy regarding vaccine science and his commitment to reforming health institutions. The senator expressed hope for Kennedy’s success in improving public health.
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Texas is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in nearly 30 years, with 48 confirmed cases, mostly among children under 18 in Gaines County. The surge is linked to low vaccination rates within a close-knit community, exacerbated by a decade-long increase in vaccine exemptions. While 2,000 vaccine doses have been sent from the CDC, they are currently prioritized for partially vaccinated individuals, and the state has not requested federal assistance. The outbreak has spread to neighboring counties in Texas and even to New Mexico.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood