In the United States, over a thousand cases of measles have been reported — Texas is currently at the forefront of a new wave of outbreaks
According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than a thousand cases of measles have been registered across the country since the beginning of the year. Specifically, by the end of the week, 1,001 confirmed cases had been documented in various states. CDC officials state that this number is growing weekly, with an additional 66 cases reported just in the last week — a 7% increase compared to the previous period. These figures indicate active outbreaks affecting 30 states nationwide. Particularly noteworthy is Texas, which has become the epicenter of this epidemic. Since January, there have been over 700 cases in the state — the highest concentration of cases in the country. Local authorities and health officials note that the situation might slightly stabilize, as there is a decline in testing and treatment demand. Experts suggest that this could signal the region approaching herd immunity levels, which might help curb further spread of the virus. Katherine Wells, director of the regional public health service, mentioned that the decrease in the number of cases likely indicates a gradual approach toward an immunization threshold, where enough of the population is protected via vaccination. At the same time, she strongly emphasizes that most confirmed cases involve individuals who were not vaccinated against measles. Focusing on this issue, she urges all citizens to get vaccinated, as it remains the most effective preventative measure. Another concerning fact is that, within this epidemic, three deaths have been recorded among unvaccinated individuals — two children in Texas and an adult in neighboring New Mexico. These tragic cases exemplify what can happen when vaccination is ignored. The situation in Texas, where the outbreak emerged among the Mennonite community actively opposing vaccination under the guise of "media freedom," is especially dramatic. This complicates efforts to control the virus's spread even further. Earlier, the political aspect was closely intertwined with this situation. Prominent American politician and Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaccination views, personally visited regions affected by the outbreak to "console" the parents of deceased children. However, he did not issue an official call for vaccination; instead, he promoted alternative prevention methods, such as giving children vitamin A. Scientific research conclusively refutes the efficacy of this approach: studies show that large doses of vitamin A cannot provide protection against infection and may harm the liver. Vaccination plays a crucial role in combating measles. According to CDC data, two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) are approximately 97% effective. That is why this immunization is considered a key tool for preventing epidemics and reducing the number of new cases in the U.S. The vaccine’s effectiveness helps curb the virus’s spread, but only if vaccination coverage remains high among the population. Despite the threat of new outbreaks, experts stress the importance of increasing awareness and immunization rates among the population. They remind us that measles is not only a historical disease; it is a real and quite dangerous infectious disease capable of causing severe complications and even death. However, thanks to active vaccination efforts, the number of cases in the U.S. has significantly decreased, and modern epidemics can be overcome through collective responsibility and trust in science and medicine.