The United States recorded an additional 122 measles cases this week, with only a small number, specifically four, occurring in Texas. Meanwhile, the measles outbreaks in Pennsylvania and Michigan have officially come to an end. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 1,168 measles cases have been confirmed across the U.S. Texas health officials, noting the nation’s largest outbreak, have decided to reduce their updates to a weekly frequency, signaling a decline in cases.
Three significant measles outbreaks persist in North America. The longest of these is in Ontario, Canada, which has reported 2,009 cases from mid-October through the early days of June. Tragically, this outbreak resulted in the death of a baby who contracted congenital measles alongside other preexisting health issues. Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has impacted 761 individuals, while the Mexican state of Chihuahua has reported 1,940 measles cases with four resulting fatalities.
In the U.S., outbreaks are considered active when there are three or more related cases. Active outbreaks are currently present in several states, including Colorado, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, and Tennessee. Notably, the U.S. saw fatalities associated with measles this year, with two children from West Texas and an adult from New Mexico succumbing to the disease, none of whom were vaccinated.
Measles, a highly contagious airborne virus, is preventable through vaccination and was declared eliminated in the United States back in 2000. However, the return of outbreaks highlights the importance of widespread immunization.
Texas, as of this week, has documented 742 cases of measles across 35 counties, primarily in West Texas. Health officials estimated that a small portion, less than 1%, of these cases remain actively infectious. A significant number of Texas cases were concentrated in Gaines County, especially within a close-knit Mennonite community with lower vaccination rates. Sadly, this area accounted for a high percentage of Texas’s cases.
The recent statistics reveal that there have been 94 hospitalizations due to measles in Texas. Last April, an 8-year-old child from Texas passed away following what was referred to as measles pulmonary failure, despite having no underlying health conditions. Earlier in February, another unvaccinated 6-year-old succumbed to the disease.
New Mexico has recorded a total of 81 measles cases, with two additional cases emerging this past week. Seven individuals have been hospitalized since the outbreak began, with the majority of cases reported in Lea County. Unfortunately, an unvaccinated adult resident in New Mexico tragically died from measles-related complications.
In nearby Oklahoma, 15 confirmed and three probable cases have been documented, with the state health department withholding specific county details. Colorado has seen 12 cases this year, including an outbreak stemming from a flight arriving in Denver, affecting several counties.
Kansas has reported 71 measles cases, primarily in the southwest, with most cases linked and concentrated in Gray County. In Montana, 17 cases have emerged, marking one’s first significant measles occurrence in 35 years. Neighboring states, such as North Dakota, have reported 34 cases, with several tied to travel and border counties. Ohio’s figures remained constant at 34 cases, while Tennessee has had six cases in recent months, with an absence of new cases suggesting a subsiding outbreak.
Outside the major outbreak regions, measles cases also appeared in numerous states including Alaska, California, Florida, and others. Previous outbreaks in Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania experienced a reduction, declared over after not registering new cases for six consecutive weeks.
A significant source of U.S. measles cases often ties back to international travel. The CDC in May indicated an increase in cases from outside the country, affecting primarily unvaccinated Americans returning home. The resurgence of measles implies the risk of losing the country’s elimination status achieved years ago.
Vaccination with the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine remains the best preventive measure against measles. The recommended vaccination schedule includes two doses, starting at the age of one, with a follow-up between ages four and six. Adults concerned about immunity can safely receive an additional dose. Previous vaccinations or documentation indicating past infection generally confer immunity.
The symptoms of measles initially target the respiratory system, leading to fever, a runny nose, and a distinctive rash that spreads throughout the body. The condition can escalate to serious complications like pneumonia or inflammation of the brain. With no specific treatment available, medical management focuses on symptom relief and complication prevention.