Overview

• The CDC confirms over 900 measles cases across 29 states, the highest count since the disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
• Texas remains the epicenter with 664 cases, including two child fatalities; New Mexico has reported one additional death linked to the outbreak.
• Unvaccinated individuals account for 97% of cases, underscoring the impact of declining MMR vaccination rates below the 95% herd immunity threshold.
• Public health officials are urging immediate vaccination, particularly for those traveling to areas with active outbreaks, as measles spreads rapidly through air and surfaces.
• Rare breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals have been reported, but these cases are less severe and less likely to spread the virus.