• Over 935 confirmed measles cases across the U.S. as outbreaks spread to nearly 30 states.
• The majority of the cases are linked to a significant outbreak in Texas, with 683 reported cases.
• Two fatalities have occurred in Texas, highlighting the outbreak's severity.
• The CDC reports that 96% of cases are among unvaccinated individuals.
• Experts warn of the potential return of endemic measles due to declining vaccination rates.

As of the latest reports, there are over 935 confirmed cases of measles in the U.S. This represents a significant increase amidst ongoing outbreaks in nearly 30 states, with Texas being particularly affected where cases have surged to 683. This count surpasses the total of 285 cases recorded in all of 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and echoed by multiple sources, including Forbes, ABC News, and Reuters.

The ongoing outbreak in Texas began in late January and has resulted in nine confirmed hospitalizations and two reported deaths of unvaccinated children. Notably, this has become the largest outbreak Texas has seen in 30 years, affecting multiple counties, especially Gaines County where many cases are concentrated. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported that the majority of cases are among unvaccinated individuals, which raises concerns about public health and the spread of the virus, according to Forbes and CBS News.

Reports from various jurisdictions have confirmed that cases are linked to ongoing outbreaks that have spread across states such as Kansas and New Mexico. In Kansas, 46 cases have been reported, further solidifying the outbreak's spread beyond Texas. Dr. Conrad Fischer, chief of infectious diseases at One Brooklyn Health, emphasized the historic significance of this outbreak, noting that measles had previously been declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to effective vaccination campaigns, as highlighted by ABC News and Reuters.

The CDC reported that 96% of measles cases this year involve individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Experts warn that without an increase in vaccination rates, the U.S. faces a high risk of measles potentially becoming endemic again. Health officials are calling for heightened public awareness and advocacy regarding vaccination, noting that this disease could escalate if preventive measures are not reinstated. This sentiment has been echoed in multiple reports, including those from Forbes, CBS News, and ABC News.

Health experts highlight the critical role of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing outbreaks, stating that two doses are approximately 97% effective. They urge parents to consult health professionals regarding vaccinations for their children, especially given the severe nature of measles. It is imperative to reignite public confidence in vaccination efforts to combat this surge in cases effectively, as observed in reports by Reuters and Forbes.