Measles Outbreak Spreads Across Texas and New Mexico
Texas and New Mexico reported an additional 59 cases of measles, bringing the total number of known infections to 228, as an outbreak that began in West Texas in late January has spread, resulting in the first U.S. measles deaths in a decade. The risk for widespread measles remains low due to robust immunization and surveillance programs, according to the CDC. Lawmakers are calling for a congressional hearing to discuss the rapidly spreading measles outbreak.
- The rapid spread of the measles outbreak highlights the vulnerability of communities that have not fully vaccinated their populations or have gaps in vaccination coverage.
- How will public health efforts focus on vulnerable populations and those who remain unvaccinated impact the overall trajectory of this epidemic?