Texas Measles Outbreak Expands to Nine States, Raising Public Health Concerns

Physicians emphasize the importance of MMR vaccination as misinformation about alternative treatments circulates.

The Texas measles outbreak has grown to 159 cases, with 22 hospitalizations and one confirmed death of an unvaccinated child.
The outbreak has spread to nine other states, including New Mexico, Florida, and California, with additional cases reported by the CDC.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine but stopped short of urging vaccination, promoting vitamin A and other supplements instead.
Experts warn that vitamin A is only effective in treating measles complications in malnourished individuals and does not prevent infection, cautioning against misinformation.
Public health officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles, with the CDC reporting the MMR vaccine is 97% effective with two doses.