The number of measles cases in the US has surged to over 1,000 for the first time in five years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are currently 1,046 confirmed cases across 31 jurisdictions as of May 22. The majority of these cases, at 96%, were found among unvaccinated or unknown-vaccination-status patients.
In Texas alone, measles cases have increased by six to 728, with the epicenter of the outbreak in Gaines County seeing a rise of two cases to 408. This development comes as scientists warn that the US is at a critical point for the return of endemic measles.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne infection that can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis, and even death. The measles vaccine has proven to be effective, with a 97% success rate after two doses.
The outbreak in Texas has spread to neighboring states, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas. As the situation continues to unfold, public health officials are urging people to take necessary precautions and get vaccinated against measles.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/measles-cases-texas-rise-by-six-728-state-health-department-says-2025-05-23