CDC Issues Health Alert Amid Measles Outbreak: Over 250 Cases, Two Deaths in West Texas and New Mexico

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health alert due to an expanding measles outbreak in the United States, with more than 220 cases reported in West Texas and New Mexico in recent weeks. The outbreak has led to at least two deaths, one in Texas and one in New Mexico, both of whom were unvaccinated. The CDC emphasized the importance of vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing the spread of measles, especially with the upcoming travel season. The agency noted that while the risk of widespread cases remains low due to robust immunization and surveillance systems, vigilance for measles symptoms is crucial, particularly among unvaccinated individuals, as measles is 90% contagious. The measles outbreak has also been reported in other states including Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Mexico, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey, with a total of over 250 cases across the U.S. associated with three main outbreaks. The CDC has advised health care personnel to isolate suspected cases immediately and to report confirmed cases within 24 hours. Growing vaccine hesitancy may be contributing to the spread of the virus.