Current Measles Situation in the United States
As of April 2025, the United States is experiencing a significant surge in measles cases, with nearly 900 reported instances across 10 states. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the confirmed measles cases have reached 884, which is three times the total number recorded in 2024. The majority of these cases, 646 to be precise, are concentrated in Texas, particularly in the western part of the state, where an outbreak has persisted for nearly three months.
Impact and Fatalities
Tragically, the outbreak has resulted in the deaths of two unvaccinated children in West Texas and an adult in New Mexico, all due to measles-related illnesses. These fatalities underscore the severe impact of the disease, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.
States with Active Outbreaks
In addition to Texas, other states experiencing active outbreaks—defined as having three or more cases—include Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Each of these states is grappling with the spread of the virus, which is highly contagious and preventable through vaccination.
International Connections
The measles situation is not confined to the United States. North America is witnessing other outbreaks, such as in Ontario, Canada, with 1,020 cases, and in Chihuahua, Mexico, with 605 cases. The World Health Organization has linked the Mexican cases to the Texas outbreak, highlighting the interconnected nature of these public health challenges.
Transmission and Prevention
Measles is caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. Despite being preventable through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the virus has found a foothold in communities with low vaccination rates. Health experts warn that the outbreak could persist for a year if vaccination rates do not improve.
State-Specific Details
– **Texas:** The state has reported 22 new cases since Tuesday, bringing the total to 646 across 26 counties. Most cases are in Gaines County, where the virus spread in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community.
– **New Mexico:** The state has 66 cases, primarily in Lea County, with a recent measles-related death reported in an adult.
– **Indiana:** Allen County has eight cases, with no known links to other outbreaks.
– **Kansas:** The state has 37 cases across eight counties, with the first case linked to the Texas outbreak.
– **Michigan:** Montcalm County has four cases linked to Ontario’s outbreak, with a total of nine cases statewide.
– **Montana:** Five cases have been reported in unvaccinated individuals who traveled out of state.
– **Ohio:** The state has 32 cases, with the majority in Ashtabula and Knox counties.
– **Oklahoma:** The state has 13 cases, with some linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks.
– **Pennsylvania:** Erie County has declared an outbreak with eight cases, contributing to the state’s total of 13 cases.
– **Tennessee:** The state has six cases, with some linked to each other, but no further details on connections to other outbreaks.
Vaccination and Herd Immunity
The best defense against measles is the MMR vaccine, recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old, with a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. High vaccination rates, above 95%, are crucial for achieving herd immunity, which helps prevent the spread of diseases like measles. However, declining vaccination rates and increased exemptions for religious or personal reasons have heightened the risk of outbreaks.
Symptoms and Complications
Measles initially infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body, causing symptoms such as high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a rash. The rash typically appears three to five days after the initial symptoms and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death.
Conclusion
The current measles outbreaks in the United States highlight the critical importance of vaccination and public health measures to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease. As health officials continue to monitor and respond to the situation, increasing vaccination rates remains a top priority to protect communities and prevent further outbreaks.
🔗 **Fuente:** https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-measles-cases-states-outbreaks.html