Measles Now Found in Ten States Across America Including New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, California, Kentucky and Georgia
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 02, 2025 1 month, 1 week, 4 days, 8 hours, 45 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News: Measles Cases Continue to Spread Across the United States
The United States is facing a growing measles outbreak, with cases now reported in ten states: Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington and Texas. The surge in infections has raised alarms among health officials, particularly as vaccination rates have declined in recent years.
Measles Now Found in Ten States Across America Including New York, New Jersey, New Mexico,
California, Kentucky and Georgia
As of February 28, there are 174 confirmed cases across the 10 affected states. Texas has recorded the highest number of cases, with at least 146 infections.
Tragically, the outbreak has also resulted in the first measles-related death in the country since 2015, when an unvaccinated child in Texas succumbed to the disease. This
U.S. Medical News report will explore the rising threat posed by measles, its symptoms, and the urgent need for increased vaccination efforts.
The Outbreak in New York and New Jersey
The outbreak has particularly alarmed residents of the Tri-State Area, where measles cases have been confirmed in both New York and New Jersey. The New Jersey Department of Health has reported three cases in Bergen County, with potential exposure occurring at Englewood Hospital’s emergency department on February 9. Additionally, authorities have identified exposure risks at Hackensack University Medical Center and an urgent care facility in Fort Lee.
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/measles.shtml
In New York City, health officials have confirmed two cases of measles but another new case is being investigated. These cases, like many others in the outbreak, involve unvaccinated individuals, highlighting the risks associated with declining immunization rates. Health experts have emphasized the importance of community-wide vaccination to prevent further spread.
https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-02-27_measles.htm
The Rising Toll Across the Country
While New York and New Jersey are experiencing localized outbreaks, the situation is worsening in several other states. Texas remains the most severely impacted, with 146 reported cases, many concentrated in Gaines County. The majority of cases in Texas involve an under-vaccinated Mennonite community, where vaccine hesitancy is prevalent. The outbreak is spreading rapidly, with reports indicating that at least 20 patients in Texas have required hospitalization.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/confirmed-infections-in-texas-measles-outbreak-rises-to-146-with-thousands-p
ossibly-exposed-and-one-death-so-far
New Mexico has also reported nine cases, all within Lea County, which borders Gaines County.
https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/mog/
Georgia is another hotspot, with six confirmed measles cases within a single Atlanta-area family.
https://dph.georgia.gov/press-releases/2025-02-07/additional-measles-cases-atlanta
The outbreak has also reached California, where three cases have been reported, in addition to a foreign traveler who arrived at Los Angeles International Airport while infectious.
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/measles.aspx
https://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=4971
Other states with reported cases include Alaska, Washington, Rhode Island, and Kentucky, where infections are linked to international travel.
Understanding Measles: Symptoms and Risks
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, making it easy to transmit in enclosed spaces. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include:
-High fever (potentially exceeding 104°F or 40°C)
-Cough
-Runny nose
-Red, watery eyes
-Tiny white spots inside the mouth
Three to five days after initial symptoms, a red rash develops, starting on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. While measles can affect anyone, it poses the greatest risks to infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Potential complications include:
-Severe diarrhea
-Ear infections leading to hearing loss
-Pneumonia, a life-threatening lung infection
-Encephalitis (brain swelling), which can cause permanent brain damage
-Miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight in pregnant individuals
-Death in severe cases
According to the U.S. CDC, about one in five people infected with measles in the U.S. require hospitalization, while one in 1,000 cases results in encephalitis. Additionally, one or two out of every 1,000 measles cases in the U.S. prove fatal. In rare cases, years after infection, individuals may develop a progressive, fatal condition known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which affects the central nervous system.
Why is Measles Spreading?
Experts point to declining vaccination rates as a major factor behind the current outbreak. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective, offering 97% protection against measles after two doses. However, CDC data reveals that nationwide immunization coverage among kindergartners has fallen below the 95% threshold necessary for herd immunity.
In 2024, only 93% of kindergartners received their MMR shots, leaving approximately 280,000 children vulnerable to infection. Some states, such as Texas, have even lower vaccination rates. Religious and philosophical exemptions have contributed to the decline, as has widespread misinformation about vaccine safety. This drop in immunization rates has created conditions for measles to spread more easily, particularly in communities with low vaccine uptake.
How Can Measles Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, with decades of research confirming its ability to prevent infection. Public health experts strongly urge parents to ensure their children receive both doses of the vaccine, with the first dose typically administered at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years.
For individuals who have not been vaccinated, especially those planning to travel internationally, getting immunized is crucial. The U.S. CDC advises that travelers ensure they are up to date on their MMR shots, as measles outbreaks remain common in several parts of the world. Additionally, those exposed to the virus should monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if they develop a fever or rash.
The Importance of Public Awareness and Action
The resurgence of measles in the United States serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by vaccine-preventable diseases. Decades of immunization efforts had nearly eliminated measles in the U.S., but the recent decline in vaccination rates has created new vulnerabilities. Public health officials continue to emphasize the importance of vaccines, not just for individual protection but also for the safety of communities at large.
Efforts to combat misinformation about vaccines are critical. Social media and other platforms have played a role in spreading false claims about vaccine safety, leading to hesitancy among some parents. Educational campaigns must be strengthened to counteract these narratives and ensure that accurate, science-based information reaches the public.
Additionally, healthcare providers should work closely with communities to increase vaccine accessibility. Ensuring that underserved populations have access to immunization services can help prevent future outbreaks. Public health agencies must also remain vigilant, conducting thorough contact tracing and implementing quarantine measures when necessary to contain the spread of the virus.
Conclusion
The ongoing measles outbreak across nine U.S. states is a concerning development, highlighting the consequences of declining vaccination rates. With cases continuing to rise, it is imperative that public health measures be reinforced to prevent further spread. Vaccination remains the most effective tool against measles, and increasing immunization coverage is essential to protecting both individuals and communities.
The situation in Texas, where an unvaccinated child has already died from measles, underscores the severity of the disease and the importance of preventive action. Similar outbreaks in New Jersey, New York, California, Georgia, and other states demonstrate that no region is immune to the threat.
Public health officials and medical experts continue to urge Americans to get vaccinated, remain vigilant about potential exposures, and support efforts to combat misinformation. The lessons learned from this outbreak should serve as a wake-up call to prioritize immunization and public health preparedness.
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U.S. Medical News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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