The United States is facing an outbreak of measles, a disease declared eliminated in the country since 2000. Over 250 cases have been reported across multiple states with Texas hardest hit. Two fatalities, a child in Texas and an adult in New Mexico, have also been recorded.

“CDC issues Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory to notify clinicians, public health officials, and potential travelers about a measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico and offer guidance for prevention and monitoring,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tweeted. .

“With spring and summer travel season approaching in the U.S., CDC emphasizes the important role that clinicians and public health officials play in preventing the spread of measles. They should be vigilant for cases of febrile rash illness that meet the measles case definition and share effective measles prevention strategies, including vaccination guidance for international travelers,” the public health organization added.

The country’s social media  is awash with people discussing the severity of the outbreak, and the chances of its further spread under the new Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr, an outspoken anti-vaccine activist.

Texas alone has recorded 223 cases as of March 11, 2025, a sharp increase from previous weeks. Nearly 30 individuals have been hospitalized, with children under 19 years old forming the majority of cases. 

In Lea County, New Mexico, 30 infections were confirmed. Other states, including California, Georgia, Maryland, and New York, have also reported cases, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to classify three clusters as outbreaks this year.

Declining vaccination rates trigger measles outbreaks

The resurgence of measles is attributed to declining vaccination rates among children. CDC data reveals that approximately 94% of current cases involve unvaccinated individuals. The CDC has reported a steady decline in immunization rates among kindergarten-aged children over recent years.

The trend poses significant risks to public health, especially given the high transmissibility of measles. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets and can linger in the air for hours after an infected person leaves a space. 

While measles was officially eliminated in 2000, sporadic outbreaks have occurred due to imported cases and vaccine hesitancy.

Public health officials are urging immediate action to curb the spread of measles. Vaccination remains the most effective tool; two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provide 97% immunity against measles. 

Authorities are calling for increased community outreach to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, warning that failure to act decisively risks not only further loss of life but also erosion of public trust in health systems.

Also read: Uneven vaccine access in India slows down immunisation for children - First Check