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The spread of measles in the United States has reached alarming levels, with nearly 200 cases reported in nine states, most of them in individuals who did not receive the vaccine or whose vaccination status is uncertain, health authorities in the country reported.
So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have received reports of measles cases in the states of Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas, the agency EFE reported.
Most of the infections are linked to three significant outbreaks, which are defined as occurring when three or more cases are reported in the same area.
The most severe outbreak began in western Texas, where the first death from the disease has been reported, along with over 156 confirmed cases.
According to the CDC, about 95% of infected individuals were unvaccinated, or their vaccination status is unknown.
Most of those affected are under 29 years old, and the state of Texas is the most impacted, with at least 22 individuals hospitalized due to measles.
On Tuesday, concerns spread to Miami, where a student at Miami Palmetto Senior High School, located in Pinecrest, Florida, tested positive for measles, as confirmed by officials from the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Federal authorities sent a team of experts on Tuesday to address the spread, which has been described as the most severe outbreak of the disease in the state in the past 30 years.
The first cases of this outbreak were reported in January in Gaines County, an area with a particularly low vaccination rate. Since then, the disease has spread to at least nine neighboring counties.
Jennifer Shuford, head of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, warned that the outbreak could last for months.
In the 2023-2024 school year, approximately 18% of preschool-aged children in Texas did not receive the measles vaccine, according to CDC data.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals.
Symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after infection, characterized by high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by the emergence of flat, red spots on the face that then spread to the neck, torso, and the rest of the body, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
This outbreak of measles is occurring in the context of a resurgence of the anti-vaccine movement in several states across the U.S.
In Texas, for example, more than 20 bills are being considered to loosen regulations on vaccines, which could further aggravate the situation.
Health authorities have expressed their concern about the impact that these laws could have on the control of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Measles Outbreak in the U.S.
How many people have been affected by the measles outbreak in the United States?
The measles outbreak has affected nearly 200 people in nine states in the U.S., with Texas being the most affected, reporting 156 confirmed cases.
Why has measles resurfaced in the United States?
The resurgence of measles in the U.S. is primarily due to the decline in vaccination rates, influenced by the anti-vaccine movement and legislation aimed at relaxing vaccine regulations.
What measures are the authorities taking to control the measles outbreak?
Authorities have dispatched teams of experts to contain the spread of measles and are promoting vaccination as the primary tool for disease prevention.
What symptoms does measles present?
The symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by the appearance of flat red spots on the skin that spread all over the body.
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