Measles Cases Surge in the United States
The United States has surpassed its record number of measles cases in over 30 years, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. This comes as the health secretary under Donald Trump faces accusations of exacerbating this public health crisis.
Background on Measles and the Current Situation
Measles, a highly contagious disease, was eradicated in the US through vaccination efforts. However, a measles outbreak began at the end of January amidst declining vaccination rates and growing public distrust in health authorities.
- 1,277 cases confirmed so far in 2025, with 60% originating from Texas.
- This is the highest number of cases in the US since 1992.
At least three unvaccinated individuals have died from the disease, including two young children. Experts argue that case numbers may be underreported and have expressed concern over the lack of comprehensive reporting.
Historical Context and Impact
The last measles-related child death in the US occurred in 2003, three years after the disease was officially declared eradicated due to vaccination efforts. The most recent measles outbreak was in 2019 among Orthodox Jewish communities in New York and New Jersey, with 1,274 cases but no fatalities.
Measles causes fever, respiratory issues, and skin rashes. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, and potentially fatal complications.
Role of the Health Secretary
US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has been accused of worsening the situation by spreading misinformation about the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. He has claimed the vaccine is dangerous and contains fetal remains, which is false.
The measles outbreak originated in late January in a rural Texas area home to a conservative Mennonite community with low vaccination rates.
Cross-Border Impact
Neighboring countries are also experiencing measles outbreaks: Canada has over 3,500 cases, including one death, mostly in Ontario. Mexico reports 2,600 cases and nine deaths, according to the Pan American Health Organization.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is measles? Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a skin rash. In rare cases, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
- Why is the US experiencing a measles outbreak? The outbreak is due to declining vaccination rates and growing public distrust in health authorities.
- Who is Robert Kennedy Jr. and why is he relevant? Robert Kennedy Jr. is the current US Health Secretary under Donald Trump’s administration. He has been accused of spreading misinformation about vaccines, including the MMR vaccine, which has contributed to the measles outbreak.
- How does this outbreak affect other countries? Neighboring countries, such as Canada and Mexico, are also experiencing measles outbreaks, with hundreds of cases and several deaths reported.
