Measles outbreak update: CDC map shows where the disease is spreading after Texas child confirmed dead

A measles outbreak is surging in the United States, exceeding 130 cases in Texas and New Mexico alone. The CDC reports cases in eight states, with Texas having the most significant number. This resurgence follows measles' 2000 elimination declaration in the US. The rise is linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-vaccine sentiments. In 2024, 285 measles cases were reported, with a high percentage unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination status. The current outbreak surpasses the 2023 total of 59 cases and threatens to exceed 2024's numbers. Measles is highly contagious, spreading through the air and surfaces, with symptoms including fever, cough, and rash. A child's death in Texas highlights the disease's potential lethality and long-term complications. Vaccination, particularly with the MMR or MMRV vaccine, remains the most effective prevention method. Protecting vulnerable populations like young children and pregnant women is crucial in curbing this outbreak.