Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Two states in the United States-Texas and New Mexico-are currently reeling with an outbreak of measles. Health officials maintain that nearly 100 cases of measles have been reported.
According to a BBC report, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported on Friday that it was aware of 90 cases diagnosed in the last month in the South Plains area, in the north-west part of the state. At least 77 of them were reported in children and teens under 17.
In New Mexico, officials said nine people had become sick in Lea County, along the state’s eastern border with Texas, BBC reported.
Reportedly, the surge in measles cases come amid rise in US anti-vaccine sentiment, including towards the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab that is typically given during childhood.
Meanwhile, Texas health officials maintain their figures are likely to be an underestimate, as some parents may not report infections or may not realise their child has the disease.
What is the reason behind this surge?
Health experts maintain that vaccination rates have dropped in some communities as a loose network of vaccine sceptics have, without evidence, questioned the safety and efficacy of the shots.
Recently, Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed as US President Donald Trump’s health secretary, has faced strong criticism for his ties to these groups. Health experts maintain that the disease could be controlled or even eradicated with proper inoculation rates – generally defined as 95 percent of a community receiving the vaccine.
BBC reported that most states require that children receive the MMR vaccine to attend school. However, many states including Texas, also allow families to file a conscientious exemption – a non-medical reason to refuse a vaccine requirement. According to the federal data of Texas the state achieved a 94.3% vaccination rate among kindergarteners for the 2023-2024 school year, while New Mexico reached 95%.
A state survey of Texas schools found that rates of exemptions were ticking upwards for MMR and other required vaccines, BBC reported. According to a CBS report, Texas officials reported that of the 90 cases in their state, 85 were in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unclear. Reportedly, the area is home to a large Mennonite community, which typically have low vaccination rates due to the group’s religious beliefs.
What is measles?
Measles is highly contagious and can be deadly. It is a viral disease that causes fever and a rash. According to the Cleveland Clinics, measles highly contagious and spreads through the air when a person with measles talks, coughs or sneezes. The best protection against measles is to receive the measles vaccine.
What the symptoms of measles?
The most common measles symptoms include:
- A high fever.
- Tiredness.
- A barky cough.
- Red or bloodshot eyes.
- A runny nose.
According to Cleveland Clinics, a few days after these symptoms begin, you’ll develop a red, blotchy rash that spreads from your face to the rest of your body. The rash itself lasts about seven to 10 days.
Other measles symptoms may include:
- A sore throat.
- White spots in your mouth.
- Muscle pain.
- Sensitivity to light.