The United States has recorded its first death linked to measles in more than a decade, while an increasing number of cases sweeps across the country, Texas emerging as the epidery of the epidemic, officials said.

The very contagious virus infected individuals in at least nine states, sending several to hospitals. Texas Department of State Health Services on Saturday March 1, 2025) confirmed 146 cases of measles on February 28.

A child’s school child in western Texas, who has not been vaccinated, died of very contagious but avoidable respiratory disease on Wednesday, February 26, 2025), marking the first death linked to measles in the United States in more than a decade.

The epidemic in Texas has spread to neighboring New Mexico, the officials said. Dr Peter Hooz, pediatrician and virologist at the Baylor College of Medicine, warned that the epidemic is a direct consequence of the drop in vaccination rates. “When the vaccination coverage drops below 90, measles can spread like forest fires.

An infected person can transmit the virus to up to 18 others, “he said. Measles, often underestimated as a slight infantile disease, can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, swelling of the brain and even death – especially in children under the age of five.

The virus is easily spread through the particles suspended in the air and can linger in the air for hours after an infected person has left an area. Despite the availability of the very effective ROR vaccine, which has practically eliminated measles in the United States since the early 2000s, vaccination hesitation and exemptions are increasing.

In Texas, out of the 146 confirmed cases, only five were vaccinated – highlighting the vulnerability of unprotected individuals. As the epidemic intensifies, health officials urge parents to ensure that their children receive the ROR vaccine to limit more. Experts point out that the maintenance of a high vaccination rate is essential to protect public health and prevent future epidemics.

Source

https://www.deccanherald.com/world/us-records-first-measles-death-in-decade-as-outbreak-spreads-3428034#:~:text=The%20Texas%20Department%20of%20State,US%20in%20over%20a%20decade.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-records-first-measles-death-in-decade-as-outbreak-spreads/article69280128.ece