The federal government reported Friday that 483 measles have been confirmed in 20 US jurisdictions so far this year, the biggest outbreak in Texas and 70 people nationwide need to be hospitalized.
This is compared to 285 cases of measles in the United States throughout 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 97% of confirmed cases this year are involved with people who have not been vaccinated or whose vaccine status is unknown.
The CDC said one death was confirmed this year from measles, and there are deaths under investigation related to the virus infection.
This year’s main outbreak was Texas, with fatal consequences. As of March 28, the state health department has reported 400 measles cases in Texas.
Meanwhile, the New Mexico Health Department on Friday reported that the state currently has 44 measles cases, starting with 43 previous cases on March 25.
Most cases were reported in Lee County, adjacent to Gaines County, Texas. This is considered to be the center of the current outbreak of measles, which began in two states in late January.
In recent years, federal health officials have attributed several outbreaks to parents who refuse to vaccinate their children.
In its health advisory to physicians on March 7, the CDC said the risk of widespread measles in the United States remains low.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long questioned the safety and efficacy of vaccinations despite evidence of their safety and efficacy widely accepted by public authorities, and he said he is aware of the serious consequences of the current outbreak of measles in Texas.
He added that the government is providing resources including vaccines.
However, the New York Times reported earlier this week that he was suffering from complications, including liver damage, as he was given a large dose of vitamin A at home without medical supervision, a therapeutic idea promoted by vaccine skeptics, including Kennedy.
The 20 jurisdictions affected this year are Alaska, California, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Texas, Farmont, and Washington.
The CDC stated on its website that the agency is aware of cases of measles that may be reported by its jurisdiction, but the data mentioned on its website, including the number of cases so far, only confirmed cases are included.
Reuters contributed to the report
