Measles Outbreak Surges in the U.S.: Over 1,300 Cases Reported
The United States is currently experiencing a significant surge in measles cases, with numbers recently surpassing 1,300—marking the highest incidence of the disease in over three decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The majority of these cases are linked to a concerning outbreak in West Texas, which has tragically resulted in the deaths of two unvaccinated children.
Measles Statistics and Risks
Measles remains one of the most infectious diseases known, posing severe health risks that can lead to serious complications including lung and brain infections. The CDC emphasizes that while most individuals recover from the illness, approximately 20% of unvaccinated individuals who contract measles will require hospitalization. Furthermore, the serious consequences include brain swelling in one out of every 1,000 children infected, which could lead to lasting brain damage, and a mortality rate of approximately 3 per 1,000 cases.
The outbreak’s most significant concentration is found in Texas, where over 760 cases have been confirmed. Nationwide data indicates infections have spread across at least 39 states. Our tracking efforts at CBS News, which are updated in accordance with the weekly reports from the CDC, keep a close eye on this developing situation.
Details from the Texas Outbreak
Health officials have reported that the Texas outbreak primarily impacts children and adolescents, the vast majority of whom are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Heartbreakingly, the first casualty was a school-aged child followed by an 8-year-old girl, both of whom had no pre-existing health problems, according to the Texas health department. In addition to these tragic cases, New Mexico has also recorded the measles-related death of an adult.
The last recorded measles-related fatality in the U.S. occurred in 2019, when a 37-year-old man succumbed to the virus complicated by meningitis in California. In that same year, the nation saw 1,274 confirmed cases, greatly driven by outbreaks in New York, California, and Washington. However, typically, the seasonal numbers are much lower.
Declining Vaccination Rates
Health experts attribute the current spike in measles cases to declining vaccination rates. According to CDC data, only 93% of kindergarteners were vaccinated against measles during the 2021-2022 academic year, which dropped slightly to 92.7% in the 2023-2024 school year, a stark decrease from the crucial 95.2% registered in 2019-2020. This reduction endangers community immunity, which the CDC defines as a critical threshold for protecting public health.
Official Statements and Guidance
In light of the unfolding crisis, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite his controversial views on vaccinations, publicly urged individuals to receive the measles vaccine. During a recent interview with CBS News, he stated, “We encourage people to get the measles vaccine,” marking a notable shift from his prior hesitance. He reinforced that while he supports vaccination, he opposes governmental mandates.
Current Measles Outbreak Data
| State | Confirmed Cases | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 760+ | 2 |
| New Mexico | N/A | 1 |
| Total (U.S.) | 1,300+ | N/A |
As the outbreak continues to evolve, health authorities stress the importance of vaccination as a primary means to control the spread of measles and protect vulnerable communities.
