(Nexstar) – According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are now 935 confirmed cases of measles across multiple states.
This figure represents a significant increase compared to last year when only 285 cases were recorded, showing more than a threefold rise, as per the CDC’s findings.
The CDC’s latest update notes that the true number of cases might be even higher, estimating that there could be more than the 935 confirmed cases, but emphasizes that these figures only include verified instances. Most of those infected, about 96%, were either unvaccinated or had an unclear vaccination history.
Texas is currently home to the highest number of cases, reporting 683 infections, primarily around Gaines County near the border with New Mexico. Almost 450 of these cases have been documented in children under 18 years old, including two school-age children, with one fatality reported.
New Mexico follows Texas with a reported 67 cases, which includes one resident from Lee County who tested positive for measles posthumously earlier this year.
In total, the CDC’s update indicated that measles cases have been reported in 29 states, including Alaska, California, Florida, and Virginia, among others.
Experts attribute these recent outbreaks largely to a drop in vaccination rates observed earlier this year. Dr. Dale Bratzler from the University of Oklahoma highlighted the severe risks associated with measles, particularly for children.
Amesh Adalja from Johns Hopkins noted that the Gaines County area, which is experiencing this outbreak, has the lowest vaccination rates in Texas, suggesting that the situation is “flaring up” as a result.
According to the World Health Organization, maintaining vaccination rates above 95% is crucial to avoiding outbreaks. Dr. Bratzler expressed concern about what happens when those rates dip beneath that threshold.
The CDC pointed out a decline in vaccination rates among kindergarten children, dropping from 95.2% in 2019 to 92.7% in 2023.
At a recent briefing, Dr. William Moss from Johns Hopkins explained that measles will persist as long as there are communities with low vaccination coverage. He compared the spread of the virus to a bushfire, where sparks can ignite outbreaks if they land in vulnerable populations.
To combat the spread, the CDC suggests that individuals ensure they receive two doses of the measles or MMR vaccine, a recommendation supported by most infectious disease experts.
