U.S. Sees Recent Rise in Measles Cases with Focus on Texas
Last week, the United States reported 122 new cases of measles. Notably, only four of these cases were in Texas, while areas like Pennsylvania and Michigan have officially declared their outbreaks over.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are now a total of 1,168 confirmed cases of measles nationwide. Health officials in Texas, which faced the biggest outbreak earlier this year, have decided to update case counts weekly, further indicating that the situation is improving.
Outbreaks are still present elsewhere in North America, with Ontario, Canada, reporting over 2,000 cases since October. Tragically, a baby in Ontario succumbed to complications related to congenital measles.
In Alberta, Canada, there have been 761 cases, while the Mexican state of Chihuahua has seen 1,940 cases and four deaths attributed to the disease.
In the United States, several states remain on watch for active outbreaks. These states include Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oklahoma, all of which have seen clusters of related cases.
In Texas specifically, a recent report found 742 cases throughout 35 counties, predominantly in the West. About 55% of Texas cases originated in Gaines County, which has a close-knit, under-vaccinated Mennonite community. Since the outbreak’s start, 94 people have been hospitalized.
Tragically, measles has led to the deaths of two elementary school-aged children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico, all of whom were unvaccinated. The measles virus is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Thankfully, it can be prevented through vaccination, and the disease had been virtually eliminated in the U.S. since the year 2000.
In New Mexico, the state added two cases last week, bringing its total to 81, primarily located in Lea County. Sadly, an unvaccinated adult passed away due to a measles-related illness earlier this month without seeking medical attention.
Oklahoma reported a slight increase, with 15 confirmed cases, while Colorado is dealing with 12 cases tied to an outbreak following a Turkish Airlines flight landing in Denver.
Other states like Illinois, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, and Ohio have reported their respective counts but remain vigilant against further outbreaks.
The best way to prevent measles is through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is recommended for children starting at 12 months old. High vaccination rates in communities help establish herd immunity, making it difficult for the disease to spread.
Despite these efforts, vaccination rates have declined since the pandemic, with many parents opting for religious or personal exemptions. As we navigate these challenges, it is crucial for communities to come together and prioritize public health for the safety of all.
