Measles cases in Kansas have more than doubled to 20, while another outbreak in Ohio has sickened 10 people, according to local public health officials. The outbreaks are linked to a recent increase in unvaccinated children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 40 measles cases have been identified in New Mexico and seven in Oklahoma, with genetic sequencing suggesting a connection to the Texas outbreak. Kansas’ cases have mainly infected unvaccinated children in the southwest corner of the state.
Experts warn that declining vaccination rates nationwide have made the country vulnerable to a resurgence of preventable illnesses. They recommend at least 95% of people in a community be vaccinated to avoid outbreaks.
Measles is highly contagious, spreading when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a telltale rash that can spread throughout the body. In rare cases, measles can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
The US has seen several large outbreaks this year, including one in West Texas with over 320 reported cases and hospitalized 40 people. One child died in the Texas outbreak, the first such death in a decade. Health officials are urging vaccination to prevent further spread of the disease.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/health/measles-kansas-ohio-texas.html