Measles Cases Surge Across US, Israel, Canada Amid Vaccination Concerns

Measles cases are rising globally and within the United States, with outbreaks reported in Northern British Columbia, New Mexico, Israel, and multiple U.S. states. Northern BC has seen 12 new cases recently, bringing the total to 174, while New Mexico is monitoring exposure from an out-of-state infectious visitor but has not added to its case count of 96. Israel faces a significant outbreak in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, and Bnei Brak, with estimates suggesting up to 1,700 infections since April and several hospitalizations, including children in intensive care. In the U.S., measles has resurged to over 1,300 cases across 40 states, with a serious outbreak starting in a Texas Mennonite community, threatening the country's measles elimination status and resulting in three deaths. Declining vaccination rates, partly due to increased exemptions and vaccine hesitancy, are contributing to the spread, with health officials urging vaccination with the MMR vaccine as the best protection. Universities like the University of Illinois are warning students and staff to verify vaccination status amid increased travel and exposure risks.