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Diseases

Measles Outbreak Spreads Across 30 US States, CDC Reports 1,024 Cases and 14 Outbreaks

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Confirmed cases of measles have now been reported in 30 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control, with a total of 1,024 cases reported across the US since the beginning of the year. The majority of these cases have been reported in Texas, with the state Department of Health reporting 722 cases since its first outbreak in January. This alarming outbreak has resulted in 13 percent of all cases being hospitalized, and there have been three deaths in total. The CDC has highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles, a disease that was nearly eliminated in the US by 2000 due to widespread vaccination efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • 1,024 cases of measles have been reported across the US since the beginning of the year, with 14 outbreaks defined as three or more related cases.
  • Texas has reported the highest number of measles cases, with 722 cases reported since January, and 92 patients hospitalized.
  • New Mexico is the second-highest state for measles cases, with 65 of its 74 confirmed cases reported in Lea County.
  • The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported 56 confirmed cases as of Wednesday.
  • 92 percent of the total cases (947 of 1,024) are outbreak-associated.
  • The American Public Health Association has called Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. a "danger to the public's health" due to his promotion of "unscientific theories" and reduction of funding and staff to treat public health crises.
  • Texas is a state with a high proportion of residents who are vaccine-averse, which has contributed to the spread of measles.
  • The CDC has emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles.

Statistics:

  • 30 states have reported confirmed cases of measles: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York State, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
  • 14 outbreaks have been reported since the beginning of the year, defined as three or more related cases.
  • 1,024 cases of measles have been reported across the US, with 13 percent hospitalized and 3 deaths.
  • 722 cases have been reported in Texas, with 92 patients hospitalized.
  • 65 of New Mexico's 74 confirmed cases have been reported in Lea County.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control
  • Texas Department of Health
  • New Mexico Department of Health
  • Kansas Department of Health and Environment
  • American Public Health Association
  • The Associated Press

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