Measles Outbreak in Texas Expands to 259 Cases, Spreads to 15 States

Health experts warn of rising cases tied to vaccine hesitancy as the U.S. sees its largest outbreak in years, including two child deaths.

The Texas measles outbreak has reached 259 confirmed cases across 11 counties, with neighboring New Mexico reporting 35 cases.
Two measles-related deaths, including one in Texas and one in New Mexico, mark the first U.S. fatalities from the disease in a decade.
Unvaccinated individuals make up the majority of cases, with vaccination rates among kindergarteners dropping to 92.7% nationwide in recent years.
Health officials emphasize the MMR vaccine's 97% effectiveness with two doses, urging increased vaccination to curb the outbreak's spread.
Misinformation about vaccine safety, amplified by public figures, is contributing to vaccine hesitancy and the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles.