Measles Outbreak in Kansas and West Texas Raises Alarms as Vaccination Rates Lag
Kansas faces a measles outbreak with 10 confirmed cases as vaccination rates remain low, sparking concerns among health officials about community spread.
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The outbreak that started in West Texas in late January has now infected 309 people in 14 Texas counties.
'I'm worried it's getting worse': Texas measles outbreak grows as families resist vaccination
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Vaccination rates have slipped nationwide, creating pockets that have lost herd immunity and are vulnerable to fast-spreading, difficult-to-stop outbreaks.
Measles arrives in Kansas, spreads quickly in undervaccinated counties
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While there are more cases of the virus, there is some good news: More people are getting the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination this year than last year.
US measles cases continue to rise, and so are vaccinations
BBC News·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The new CDC statistics are not a count of how many people were newly infected, but rather of how many people developed a cough or other symptoms and were diagnosed.
Tuberculosis cases in the US rose to their highest levels in more than a dozen years
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The outbreak includes 14 Texas counties, two New Mexico counties and four probable cases in Oklahoma, where health officials said the first two were “associated” with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks.
Texas Measles Outbreak Expected to Last for Months
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Summary
Kansas has reported a swift measles outbreak, now totaling 10 cases across three counties, primarily in areas with low vaccination rates among kindergartners. Outbreaks are also rising in Texas and New Mexico, with vaccinations increasing in response. Nationally, low rates of MMR vaccination are causing concern among health officials, fearing the U.S. may lose its elimination status for measles. Health experts emphasize immediate vaccination efforts to curb the spread as cases continue to surge.
Perspectives
Measles outbreaks have been linked to low vaccination rates among certain communities, especially in Texas, New Mexico, and Kansas, highlighting the urgent need for increased vaccination efforts.
Despite rising measles cases, there is a notable increase in vaccinations for the MMR vaccine, suggesting a potential shift in public response to the outbreak.
Health officials warn that if the outbreak continues without effective vaccination campaigns, the U.S. risks losing its eliminated status for measles, with significant implications for public health.