A measles outbreak has spread across 19 states in the US, with nearly 500 cases reported. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed that 400 cases have been linked to a western Texas outbreak, with most cases found in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. At least 41 people have been hospitalized so far.
Children under 17 make up the majority of cases, followed by children under 5. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 483 measles cases this year, with many cases likely an undercount due to delayed reporting.
Health experts warn that promoting vitamin A as a treatment for measles can be dangerous. While it can help prevent eye damage and blindness, it does not prevent measles infections or directly fight the virus. In fact, some unvaccinated children hospitalized with measles in Texas are showing signs of vitamin A toxicity.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The recommended vaccine schedule includes two doses, one at 12-15 months and another between 4-6 years old, which are 93% and 97% effective respectively.
The Texas outbreak has been linked to a rise in vaccine exemptions. In Gaines County, where the outbreak is centered, the number of vaccine exemptions has grown dramatically over the last decade. The CDC reports that nearly all confirmed cases are among unvaccinated or unknown-vaccination-status individuals.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/500-cases-measles-reported-nationwide-19-states-cdc/story?id=120251851