Texas and New Mexico have reported 28 new cases of measles in the past five days, bringing the total number of infections to 256 since the outbreak began in late January. The outbreak, which originated in West Texas, has resulted in the first US measles-related deaths in a decade and is posing a major challenge for US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic.
As of March 11, measles cases in Texas have risen to 223, up from 198 on March 7, with hospitalisations increasing from 23 to 29. Gaines County, the epicenter of the outbreak, has seen infections rise from 137 to 156, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Meanwhile, New Mexico has recorded a smaller but growing number of cases, increasing from 30 to 33, including a newly reported case in Eddy County, where no previous infections had been documented. The remaining cases were reported in Lea County, which borders Gaines County, Texas. Last week, New Mexico confirmed that an unvaccinated adult who died had tested positive for measles, though medical examiners are still investigating the exact cause of death.
Beyond the outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, Los Angeles County health officials reported the first measles case of the year in a resident who had recently traveled to Taiwan. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)has warned that measles cases in the US often stem from unvaccinated international travelers, as the disease remains common in many countries.
Despite the outbreak, the CDC maintains that the risk of widespread measles transmission in the US remains low, citing high immunisation rates, strong surveillance programs, and the country’s capacity to respond. Health officials continue to emphasise that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective tool for preventing the disease. However, data shows that 80 patients in Texas and 27 in New Mexico had not been vaccinated.
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously questioned vaccine safety, has stated that vaccination remains a personal choice. He has also overstated the effectiveness of alternative treatments like vitamin A.
Health authorities urge parents and caregivers to ensure MMR vaccinations are up to date, as measles remains highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, including hospitalisation and death.
Melissa Enoch
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