A dangerous measles outbreak that originated in western Texas in January has now spread across the United States, with close to 900 cases reported.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are currently 884 confirmed cases of measles in the U.S., with the majority of cases coming from Texas, where 646 cases have been confirmed. Out of all cases, 94 individuals have required hospitalization.
Measles cases have now been identified in 29 states, with outbreaks reported in six states including Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, and Texas.
Since Tuesday, Texas has seen a surge of 22 new cases, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Three deaths have been recorded since the outbreak began, including two school-aged children in Texas who were not vaccinated. Data shows that 97% of cases in the U.S. are from unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
The CDC emphasizes the seriousness of measles, stating that before the vaccine was introduced, thousands were hospitalized and hundreds died each year in the U.S.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initially downplayed the measles spread but later advocated for vaccination after attending the funeral of a young girl who succumbed to measles.
Experts warn that more cases are likely to occur due to the highly contagious nature of the disease.
