The US reports the first measles death in ten years as Texas and New Mexico record 256 measles cases

The United States reports its first measles-related fatality in ten years, with 256 measles cases in Texas and New Mexico.

In the last five days, 28 additional measles cases have been confirmed in Texas and additional Mexico, increasing the total number of infections to 256 since the outbreak started in late January. Originating in West Texas, the outbreak has caused the first measles-related deaths in the United States in ten years and is presenting a significant obstacle for lifelong vaccine skeptic US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Measles cases in Texas increased from 198 on March 7 to 223 as of March 11, and hospitalizations went from 23 to 29. The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that illnesses in Gaines County, the outbreak’s epicenter, have increased from 137 to 156.

A smaller but increasing number of cases—from 30 to 33—have been identified in New Mexico, including one that was just reported in Eddy County, where no prior infections had been found. The additional occurrences were documented in Texas’s Lea County, which shares a border with Gaines County. Although medical examiners are still looking into the cause of death, New Mexico revealed last week that an adult who died without receiving a vaccination had tested positive for measles.

Health officials in Los Angeles County reported the first measles case of the year in a resident who had just visited Taiwan, in addition to the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. Since measles is still widespread in many nations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cautioned that unvaccinated foreign visitors are frequently the cause of measles infections in the United States.

The CDC argues that despite the outbreak, there is still little chance of measles spreading widely in the US because of the nation’s robust surveillance systems, high vaccination rates, and ability to respond. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent the illness, according to health officials. Data, however, indicates that 27 patients in New Mexico and 80 in Texas were unvaccinated.

Vaccination is still a personal choice, according to US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously questioned the safety of vaccines. Additionally, he has exaggerated the benefits of complementary therapies like vitamin A.

Because measles is still very dangerous and can cause serious complications, including as hospitalization and death, health officials advise parents and caregivers to make sure their children have had the most recent MMR vaccination.