In West Texas, three active outbreaks account for the majority of measles infections, with the first death from the disease and more than 156 confirmed cases. Nationwide, it is reported that 95% of infections have occurred in unvaccinated people or whose vaccination status has not been identified, having a greater impact on those under 29 years of age.
Texas authorities reported that at least 22 people have been hospitalized and expect the outbreak to extend over several months. Measles is transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals, and symptoms can take between one and two weeks to manifest.
According to Jennifer Shuford, head of the state's Department of Health and Human Services, the first symptoms include high fever, cough, red and watery eyes, followed by the development of a characteristic rash in the form of flat red spots on the face, which then spreads to the neck, torso, and the rest of the body.
This measles outbreak occurs amid a resurgence of the anti-vaccine movement in the U.S., with more than 20 legislative initiatives seeking to loosen vaccination regulations in some states. As a result, health authorities have urged the population to verify their vaccination schedule and visit health centers for immunization, especially minors and vulnerable groups.
The United States faces a health alert due to the increase in measles cases, with nearly 200 reported infections in nine states and one death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most cases have been recorded in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status in states such as Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas.
