A recent measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has sickened over 150 people since January, putting the United States at risk of losing its status as a measles-free country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared measles eliminated from the US in 2000, but this latest outbreak could reverse that decision.
In 2003, there was no reported child death from measles in America until recently. A school-aged child in Texas has now passed away due to complications from measles.
Vaccination is key to preventing the spread of measles. Researchers estimate that one infected person can infect up to 18 others if immunity levels are zero. This makes measles highly contagious, with symptoms ranging from fever and cough to respiratory restriction and potentially deadly pneumonia.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2025/03/measles-outbreak-death-texas-new-mexico/681920