Overview
- U.S. has reported 1,277 measles cases across 40 states, marking the highest tally since 1992.
- Three fatalities have been linked to the outbreak, including two unvaccinated schoolchildren and an adult in New Mexico.
- Over 90 percent of infections have occurred in individuals without documented vaccination, underscoring rising hesitancy and misinformation.
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism for initially downplaying the threat and previously spreading vaccine doubts before endorsing MMR shots.
- State and local health authorities in Texas and New Mexico have expanded early infant immunizations and doubled measles vaccinations in recent months.