The measles outbreak continues to spread across the U.S., with new cases reported in Texas, New Jersey, and New York City.
Second Case Confirmed in NYC
New York City health officials confirmed a second measles case. The city’s Department of Health emphasized the importance of vaccination as the best defense.
“As a pediatrician and the State’s doctor, I want to remind everyone that immunization is safe and the best protection for your children against measles and other potentially deadly diseases,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.
The first case in New York City was reported earlier this year, but acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse clarified that the two cases are unrelated.
“For each case, our agency conducts routine investigations and ensures proper follow-ups for exposed individuals. Measles is highly contagious and can be deadly,” Morse said.
Last year, 14 cases were reported in New York City.
Measles Spreading Across the U.S.
New Jersey health officials have confirmed three cases, with those infected placed under quarantine.
Texas remains the hardest hit, with nearly 150 cases reported since late January. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed 146 cases as of last Friday.
Last week, the U.S. reported its first measles-related death since 2015. The victim, a school-aged child in Lubbock, Texas, succumbed to complications from the virus, according to Zach Holbrooks, executive director of the South Plains Public Health District.
RFK Jr. Responds to Outbreak, Stops Short of Urging Vaccination
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s top health official, referred to the outbreak as a “call to action” but did not explicitly recommend the measles vaccine.
In an opinion piece published on Fox News Digital, Kennedy advised parents to discuss the MMR vaccine with their physicians.
“The decision to vaccinate is a personal one,” Kennedy wrote. “Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons.”
RFK Jr. had previously spread such theories himself. At first, he downplayed the current outbreaks as “normal.”
But after facing intense criticism, he abruptly declared the crisis a “top priority.”
How Measles Spreads and Why Vaccination Matters
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. The virus spreads through coughing or sneezing and can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. A single case can infect up to 18 others.
The MMR vaccine is highly effective. A full two-dose series provides 97% protection against measles, while a single dose is 93% effective.
Unvaccinated individuals face severe risks. About 20% of those infected require hospitalization. Pneumonia, the leading cause of measles-related deaths in children, affects 1 in 20 infected kids. Brain inflammation, which can cause deafness or intellectual disabilities, occurs in 1 in 1,000 cases.
According to the CDC, one to three out of every 1,000 infected children die from respiratory or neurological complications.
