US Measles Outbreak Turns Alarming—CDC Recommends Booster Shot For Some Travellers (Image Credits: iStock)
A dangerous measles outbreak is sweeping across parts of the United States, with more than 700 confirmed cases reported across six states. Health officials say this might just be the beginning — and they’re racing against time to contain the spread. Texas is the hardest hit, reporting 541 cases, and tragically, two children have died from measles-related complications.
Texas Hit the Hardest
The outbreak, which began in Texas in late January, is spreading rapidly. So far, 22 counties in the state have reported infections, with the majority of cases coming from West Texas. In just the past week, Texas health officials announced 36 new cases. A total of 56 people have been hospitalized in Texas alone.
To make matters worse, the U.S. has now recorded three deaths related to the outbreak: two children in Texas and an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico. These are the first recorded measles deaths in the country since 2015.
Despite his past scepticism of vaccines, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is now urging Americans to get vaccinated against measles. “This is not the time to question the science,” he said in a recent address. “The evidence is clear: the measles vaccine saves lives.”
Outbreaks Reported in Multiple States
Public health experts are warning that the virus is highly contagious and spreading fast. In addition to Texas, outbreaks are active in Indiana, New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Health authorities are particularly concerned about community-wide transmission in these areas.
CDC Issues New Guidance for Domestic Travellers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stepped in with new travel recommendations. According to the letter released on April 8, people travelling to outbreak areas within the U.S. should check their MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination status. This is one of the first times such precautions have been strongly recommended for domestic travel.
So far, only Texas and Kansas have officially updated their state guidelines in line with CDC advice. If you’re planning to visit affected counties in these states, you may need another vaccine dose.
Who Should Get Vaccinated Now
The CDC advises that anyone living in or travelling to outbreak zones should double-check their vaccination status:
Infants aged 6–11 months should get one early dose of the MMR vaccine before travel.
No Need for a Third Dose: CDC
While additional protection is being recommended for certain groups, the CDC clarified that its official measles vaccination guidance hasn’t changed. A spokesperson explained, “Health departments may offer extra recommendations during outbreaks, but there are no current guidelines for a third MMR dose.”
The CDC also noted that the decision to give an early dose to infants should be taken carefully, as it may affect how their immune systems respond to later doses.
Cases Rising in More States
States like New Jersey, Georgia, Indiana, and Colorado are also seeing a spike in measles cases. With the outbreak spreading across the country, health officials are working harder to reach vaccine-hesitant communities. Experts warn that unless more people get vaccinated, the outbreak could become even more dangerous.
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