Measles Outbreak Expands Across Texas, New Mexico, Ontario

A significant measles outbreak is currently affecting Texas, with at least 58 cases reported, primarily among children. This outbreak marks the largest in Texas in nearly 30 years and has raised alarms regarding vaccination rates, particularly as neighboring New Mexico has also reported cases. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations, noting that the highly contagious nature of measles can lead to rapid community spread, especially in areas with low vaccination coverage. In Colorado, vaccination rates remain below the threshold necessary to prevent outbreaks, with only 88% of kindergartners vaccinated against measles. Experts attribute the resurgence of measles to vaccine hesitancy and declining vaccination rates across the U.S., warning that this trend could undo decades of progress in public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to monitor the situation as cases have also been documented in other states like Alaska and New York City.