A measles outbreak sweeping across Texas and New Mexico has claimed two lives and infected nearly 230 people, prompting urgent warnings from health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory as cases continue to surge, with Texas reporting 198 infections and New Mexico confirming 30. Both fatalities—an unvaccinated child in Texas and an adult in New Mexico—underscore the risks posed by declining vaccination rates.
With measles spreading rapidly through respiratory droplets, the CDC is urging increased vigilance, especially with the upcoming travel season. While the measles vaccine provides up to 97% lifetime immunity, immunization rates in the U.S. have dropped, particularly in communities with religious exemptions and vaccine hesitancy.
Health officials warn that more cases are expected and emphasize that vaccination remains the best defense against the highly contagious virus.
