Summary
Health experts are concerned that the United States may lose its "measles-free" status due to a measles outbreak in West Texas. International health officials will review the situation in April to decide if the virus has spread continuously in the U.S. for over a year. The issue is linked to lower vaccination rates and misinformation about vaccines.
Key Facts
- The U.S. has a measles outbreak that began in West Texas over a year ago.
- International health authorities will decide if the U.S. has lost its measles-free status, which depends on whether measles has spread without interruption for 12 months.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 2,144 measles cases in 2024 across 44 states.
- The outbreak in Texas affected 762 people, with two children dying and some cases unconfirmed.
- The national measles vaccination rate is 92.5%, but 95% is needed to stop the virus from spreading easily.
- Vaccine misinformation and reduced vaccination rates have contributed to the problem.
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports vaccines to prevent measles, and the CDC is working to control outbreaks.
- The costs of tracking and responding to measles cases are high, with challenges in areas facing health care access issues and distrust.
