The US has seen a significant surge in measles cases, with over 300 reported cases so far this year, surpassing the total number of cases recorded in all of 2024. The majority of these cases are linked to a Texas outbreak, but cases have also been confirmed in 14 other states.
Two children have died from measles-related complications, one of whom was confirmed to have had measles as the official cause of death and the other with a probable cause of death that is under investigation. Experts warn that the full effect of the virus may not be seen for years, as rare complications can appear even a decade after someone appears to have recovered.
Dr. Ben Bradley, a pathologist and medical director of virology at ARUP Laboratories, noted that measles can lead to serious complications such as severe pneumonia or acute encephalitis. He also warned that the virus can infect children and weaken their immune systems, making them vulnerable to other illnesses.
One complication of measles is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSP), a rare but fatal neurological condition that can occur up to 10 years after the initial infection. Babies are particularly at risk due to their young age and inability to receive vaccines.
Even well-vaccinated communities can still have pockets of non-immunity, Dr. Bradley warned. He noted that vitamin A can be beneficial in reducing mortality rates among children with measles, but self-dosing is not recommended due to the risk of toxicity.
According to CDC data, 50 people with measles have been hospitalized, with most being under the age of 5. The majority of cases involve individuals who have not received the MMR vaccine or have unknown vaccination status. Experts emphasize that the MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, but vaccination rates are still a concern.
Source: https://www.deseret.com/lifestyle/2025/03/14/measles-cases-most-since-2019-wave