The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 483 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. across 20 jurisdictions in 2023, significantly higher than in previous years. Most affected individuals were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination statuses, and 75% of cases involved those under 19. The outbreak was notably severe in Texas, accounting for 400 cases, with complications reported including hospitalizations and one confirmed death. Health officials stress that refusal to vaccinate drives these outbreaks, although the overall risk for widespread measles remains low, according to the CDC.
The CDC reported that 97% of the confirmed measles cases this year involved unvaccinated individuals, highlighting the critical importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks.
The largest outbreak this year is concentrated in Texas, with 400 reported cases, emphasizing the ongoing risk of measles where vaccination rates are low.
US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr acknowledged the serious consequences of the current measles outbreak while continuing to advocate for vaccination resources.
The recent measles outbreak has been attributed to parents refusing to vaccinate, leading to a resurgence of cases in multiple U.S. jurisdictions.
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