Measles cases are increasing in the United States, with infections confirmed in at least five states this year. Health officials have reported outbreaks in Alaska, Georgia, New York City, Rhode Island, and Texas, particularly affecting unvaccinated individuals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In western Texas, a significant outbreak has been recorded, with at least 24 cases, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). All affected individuals are unvaccinated, and most of the cases are in Gaines County, which borders New Mexico. Nine people have been hospitalized, and two of the cases involve adults aged 18 and older, with the remaining cases affecting children and adolescents.
The DSHS has warned that more cases are likely due to the highly contagious nature of measles, particularly in Gaines County and neighboring areas. The county has seen a rise in vaccine exemptions in recent years. In 2013, around 7.5% of kindergarteners had vaccine exemptions. By 2023, this number had more than doubled to 17.5%, one of the highest rates in Texas. Some schools in the area reported similar increases in exemption requests.
Meanwhile, in Georgia, the Department of Public Health confirmed two more measles cases in metro Atlanta, linked to a previous case from January. All of these cases involve unvaccinated family members.
Health officials are urging parents to vaccinate their children against measles with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The CDC recommends two doses of the vaccine: the first between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second between 4 and 6 years old. The first dose is 93% effective, while two doses increase effectiveness to 97%.
In response to the Texas outbreak, the South Plains Public Health District is offering MMR vaccines at a clinic in Seminole through Thursday. Nationwide, 14 measles cases have been confirmed so far, all in unvaccinated individuals or those with an unknown vaccination status.
Vaccination rates in the U.S. have been declining. According to a CDC report, about 93% of kindergarteners received routine childhood vaccines, including the MMR vaccine, during the 2022-23 school year. This is slightly lower than previous years, including 94% in 2020-21 and 95% in 2019-20, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. An infected person can spread the virus to up to 90% of susceptible individuals, especially if they are unvaccinated or not wearing a mask. Measles can cause severe complications, such as pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death, although some cases result only in rashes and mild illness.
The rise in measles cases comes amid controversy surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who may soon lead the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Kennedy has previously made unfounded claims that the MMR vaccine causes autism, despite numerous studies disproving this. During his confirmation hearings, he stated that he is not “anti-vaccine” but “pro-safety,” although he declined to say vaccines do not cause autism.
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