NPR The measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico is now close to 300 reported cases, surpassing the total number of cases in all of the U.S. in 2024.
The outbreak is happening in remote, rural areas. There have been a few isolated cases reported in 13 other states — not related to the Texas outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the nationwide risk remains low and that vaccination is the key to prevention.
Still, doctors say it’s a good time to remember how dangerous and long-lasting the health consequences of measles can be.
Dr. Alex Cvijanovich has been a practicing pediatrician for more than 20 years. She says she’s still haunted by the memory of a teenage boy she treated at the start of her career in Utah.