Measles Spreads to 9 U.S. States, Majority of Cases in the Unvaccinated

Measles spreads across the US

Texas faces the worst outbreak.

Cases primarily affect the unvaccinated.

Measles, one of the most contagious diseases in the world, is rapidly spreading in the United States.

Nearly 200 cases have been reported across nine states, according to health authorities.

Infections are primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed cases in Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas.

Texas Faces the Most Severe Measles Outbreak

Measles outbreak in the US continues to spread rapidly – Photo: Shutterstock

Three separate measles outbreaks have been identified, with the most severe occurring in West Texas.

This region has reported the first death and more than 156 confirmed cases.

Nationwide, 95% of those infected were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.

Most of the infected individuals are under the age of 29, according to the CDC.

Texas is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 30 years, requiring intervention from federal health experts.

So far, at least 22 people have been hospitalized in the state.

The outbreak could continue for months, warned Jennifer Shuford, a Texas health official.

The first cases in Texas were detected in Gaines County, where vaccination rates are low.

Since January, the disease has spread to nine neighboring counties.

During the 2023-2024 school year, 18% of preschool children in Texas were not vaccinated against measles.

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Measles spreads through direct contact, with symptoms appearing one to two weeks after exposure.

High fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes typically precede the disease’s distinctive skin rash.

The red spots first appear on the face and then spread across the body.

The outbreak comes amid a resurgence of the anti-vaccine movement in Texas.

More than 20 legislative proposals are currently pushing to loosen vaccination regulations in the state.

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Measles outbreak in the US continues to spread rapidly – Photo: MundoNOW