Measles Outbreak in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma Grows to 321 Cases

Low vaccination rates and misinformation are complicating containment efforts as health officials intensify vaccination campaigns.

The outbreak has resulted in one confirmed death of an unvaccinated child in Texas and a suspected death of an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico.
Public health officials report that most cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, fueling the spread of the virus.
The CDC has confirmed the outbreak is caused by a wild measles strain, not related to the vaccine strain, and cases have been reported in other states and Canada.
Infants exposed to measles have required immunoglobulin injections, highlighting the vulnerability of unvaccinated populations, especially young children.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s comments on vaccines have drawn criticism from health experts, complicating public health efforts to counter misinformation.