Press Article: Measles Outbreak Expands Across U.S. as North Dakota Confirms First Cases Since 2011
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North Dakota has become the 11th U.S. state to report a measles outbreak, its first since 2011, echoing a troubling trend of rising infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national case count has surged to 935, significantly higher than the previous year. Texas is the epicenter, recording 702 cases amidst a three-month outbreak, primarily affecting a low-vaccinated Mennonite community in Gaines County.
Tragically, two unvaccinated children have died in Texas, alongside an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico. Other states experiencing outbreaks include New Mexico, Oklahoma, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. The CDC is closely monitoring these cases, identifying a shared measles strain across the U.S. and neighboring countries.
Measles, a highly contagious virus, spreads through respiratory droplets and poses serious health risks, including pneumonia and brain swelling. With vaccination rates declining post-pandemic, health experts fear the outbreaks could persist for an extended period.
Texas reported an additional 19 new cases this week, raising concerns as health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination in maintaining herd immunity. Williams County in North Dakota registered its initial case linked to an unvaccinated child who contracted the virus from an out-of-state visitor. Nationwide, case investigations continue, with genetic testing establishing connections between outbreaks.
Meanwhile, Canada and Mexico are also grappling with significant measles outbreaks, with Ontario reporting over 1,200 cases and Chihuahua, Mexico, about 922 cases.
Health authorities are urging parents to vaccinate their children against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) as preventive measures become crucial in halting this resurgence. Vaccination remains the most effective way to combat measles, emphasizing that maintaining above 95% vaccination rates is essential for community protection.
For ongoing updates on measles cases, the CDC’s data is updated weekly, providing a clearer picture of this growing health challenge.
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