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Measles Outbreak Expands Across U.S. and Canada, Surpassing 700 Cases

The outbreak, originating in Texas, has spread to 15 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada, driven by low vaccination rates and misinformation.

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MMR vaccine administer prep is pictured during a drive at the City of Lubbock Health Department in Lubbock, Texas, on February 27.

Overview

  • Over 300 measles cases have been reported in the U.S., with Texas and New Mexico as the epicenters, and more than 400 cases in Ontario, Canada.
  • The outbreak has resulted in the first U.S. measles death in a decade—a six-year-old unvaccinated child in Texas—and exposed vulnerable populations, including infants.
  • Public health officials are urging vaccinations, accelerating immunization schedules, and recommending early doses for infants in outbreak areas.
  • Low vaccination rates in certain communities have undermined herd immunity, with most cases involving unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
  • Health experts are warning about the highly contagious nature of measles, which can linger in the air for hours, and addressing vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation and public skepticism.