According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States is currently facing rising measles outbreaks, reporting more than 700 confirmed cases in at least 24 states this year. Texas has been one of the worst hit states, which has so far recorded 561 cases, according to the latest data of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

In the last five days, 20 new cases were reported in Texas alone, and at least 58 people have been hospitalized due to complications from the disease. DSHS has warned that because measles is extremely contagious, in more cases the current outbreak is likely to occur in both the areas and the surrounding communities.

In most cases unnaturally

One of the most related trends is that 97 percent of cases are among people who are unknown or have an unknown vaccination situation. In 2024, there were 285 measles cases in the US. Only four months in 2025, the country has already seen more than 800 strong cases, showing how fast the disease is spreading.

Sadly, this outbreak led the death of two children in Texas, both were untouched. In another case, an unnatural adult in New Mexico conducted a positive test for measles after his death, although the final cause of death is still under investigation. According to CDC Records, these are the deaths related to measles recorded in the US since 2015.

Measles: A prevention but dangerous disease

Measles is a highly infectious aerial disease. It spreads easily through cough, sneezing, and even being in the same room as an infected person. The disease can cause serious health issues, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death.

But good news is: measles can be prevented through MMR vaccine, which protects from measles, kanthamala and rubella. This vaccine is usually given in two doses during childhood. According to CDC, two doses are 97 percent effective in preventing measles.

The vaccine program was so successful that in 2000, measles was officially abolished from the United States. However, in the last few years, the rate of vaccination has declined, leading to resurrection of measles outbreaks.

Why adults should also consider vaccination

While the MMR vaccine is usually given to children, adults missing the vaccine during childhood can still receive it. A pediatrician infectiologist at Northwestern University and Luri Children Hospital, Dr. Ravi Jhowri says that vaccination at any age is better than being unsafe.

Dr. Jhowri states that once you receive two doses, your immune system makes long -lasting antibodies, which can save you for life. A third booster shot is usually not recommended during a outbreak unless there is a particular case.

“In general, if you have two doses, you are well preserved,” Dr. Jhoaveri says. “The problems are not those who have been vaccinated. The issue is that even the big groups of people have not received the first dose.”

Are boosters required for measles?

Unlike flu or Kovid -19, which change genetically and require annual shots, measles is more genetically stable. This is why a couple-khurak MMR vaccination schedule is sufficient for most people.

However, older adults vaccinated before 1968 cannot be fully preserved with the older version of measles vaccine. The CDC recommended at least one dose of the existing live attained measles vaccine, as the old passive version (used between 1963 and 1967) was less effective.

Dr. Jhowri says that while immune age may decline slightly, only 3 out of 100 people who will have measles when both doses are exposed. Even in rare cases where vaccinated individuals get disease, symptoms are usually mild, and they are less likely to spread it.

On the other hand, 90 percent of unique people who are exposed are the possibility of contracted measles.

What can be done?

Health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination, especially in communities where misinformation or vaccine hesitation has led to low coverage.

“The major issue is not that vaccinated people require a third dose,” Dr. Jhoaveri says. “This is that many people have not received even two doses the first two doses. This is the place where there is a need to focus.”

The CDC continues to monitor the status and encourages everyone, especially the parents of young children and adults are uncertain about the history of their vaccination – to consult their doctors and to ensure that they are preserved.

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