U.S. Measles Outbreak Expands to 19 States with Over 400 Cases

Public health officials emphasize vaccination as cases surge, with Texas experiencing the highest toll, including one child fatality.

Over 400 measles cases have been confirmed across 19 U.S. states, with Texas reporting the majority, including 309 cases, 40 hospitalizations, and the death of an unvaccinated six-year-old girl.
New cases have been reported in Tennessee and Maryland, with several linked to international travel, highlighting the role of global interconnectedness in the outbreak's spread.
Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, particularly in Texas communities, are significant barriers to containment, with many cases occurring among unvaccinated individuals.
Health officials warn the outbreak could persist for up to a year without widespread vaccination efforts, as measles remains highly contagious and can linger in the air for hours.
Global measles cases are also rising due to disrupted vaccination programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, with experts cautioning that funding cuts threaten surveillance and response capabilities.