Overview

• Texas health officials have confirmed 561 measles cases, with 58 hospitalizations and two child fatalities, marking the state's worst outbreak in three decades.
• The outbreak has spread to neighboring states, including New Mexico and Oklahoma, contributing to over 700 cases nationwide and threatening the U.S.'s measles elimination status.
• Most cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, highlighting gaps in immunization coverage in affected communities.
• CDC officials suspect significant underreporting, particularly in close-knit communities, and are deploying additional personnel to Texas despite funding challenges.
• Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. has faced criticism for inconsistent messaging about the measles vaccine, complicating containment efforts.