Measles Cases Continue To Increase in the US.
Nine-year-old Jexer Brayan receives a MMR vaccine, which protects against contracting the disease measles, at City of Lubbock Health Department in Lubbock, Texas, USA, 01 March 2025. This is Brayan’s first dose. Photo: EFE/EPA/ANNIE RICE
March 8, 2025 Hour: 4:10 pm
Measles outbreaks in the US continue to increase with about 230 cases in western Texas and a nearby county of New Mexico, while one unvaccinated child and adult died.
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In western Texas, there are now 198 cases, 39 more since last Tuesday, according to the Texas Department of Health Services (DSHS). “The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting a measles outbreak in the South Plains and Panhandle regions of Texas.”
While in New Mexico, the Department of Health reported 30 cases by Friday in Lea County, 20 more than had been reported.
“The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) confirms that the measles outbreak in Lea County has resulted in one death and a total of 30 cases since Feb. 9. The increase in case numbers reflects test results from the NMDOH Scientific Laboratory Division combined with cases discovered during epidemiologic investigations of known patients,” reads a briefing of the local authorities.
NMDOH is investigating whether a death in Lea County is related to measles following a positive post-mortem result. The official cause of death is under investigation.
Health authorities in both states expect cases to increase due to the highly contagious nature of measles, the chain said. According to experts, the growing number of cases suggests that cases are heavily under-counted.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network notice on Friday to inform providers of measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico and urge vaccination.
In the midst of the outbreak, the Department of Health and Human Services secretary, Robert Kennedy Jr., has been criticized for recommending vitamin to beat the contagion, which worries health professionals for sending a wrong message.
Autor: ACJ
Fuente: EFE // Las Cruces Sun News // NMDOH // DSHS
