Measles Cases Surpass 680 in 23 States, Death Toll Rises to Three

The U.S. is currently experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with more than 680 confirmed cases reported across 23 states, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Texas is the epicenter, accounting for over 505 cases and two fatalities among unvaccinated children. The outbreak has prompted Kennedy to change his previous anti-vaccine stance, urging Americans to get vaccinated to curb the spread of the disease. In addition to Texas, Ontario, Canada, is also facing a surge, with 816 cases reported since the fall, primarily affecting unimmunized children. Public health officials are stressing the importance of vaccinations, as the outbreak has led to a rise in hospitalizations and severe health complications. The situation poses a renewed challenge to measles elimination efforts in the U.S., which have seen cases soar compared to previous years.