The measles epidemic in the United States continues to sprea

Los Angeles, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Recently, the measles epidemic in the United States has continued to spread in multiple states and regions. As of the 28th, a total of 483 confirmed cases of measles have been reported in the United States this year, and the number of cases in the first three months has exceeded the total number of cases last year. ​

According to the latest data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the 28th, a total of 483 confirmed cases have been reported in 20 states and territories in the United States, including 70 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. Among confirmed cases, 97% of patients have not received the measles vaccine or their vaccination status is unknown. Among all age groups of patients, the age group of 5 to 19 has the highest infection rate, accounting for 42%. At present, the number of newly confirmed measles cases in the United States in 2025 has exceeded the total of 285 cases in 2024. ​

The measles epidemic is most severe in Texas. Since late January, the state has confirmed 400 cases of measles, of which 41 have received hospitalization and 1 school-age child who has not received the measles vaccine has died. The Texas Department of Health Services stated that due to the highly contagious nature of measles, it is expected that there will be more cases of infection in the outbreak areas and surrounding communities. At present, the institution is cooperating with local health departments to investigate the epidemic. ​

In addition, the number of cases is rapidly increasing in places such as New Mexico, Kansas, and Ohio in the United States. According to the Ohio Department of Public Health, a total of 10 cases of measles have been reported in the state, of which 9 are related to the first confirmed case of measles in the state last week, and all confirmed cases have not been vaccinated against measles. ​

Measles is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the measles virus, mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets and aerosols. Within one to two weeks after being exposed to the virus, infected individuals may experience symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, tears, rash, etc. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States stated that the best way to prevent measles is to receive two doses of the measles vaccine, which is mainly administered in the form of the measles mumps rubella triple vaccine. ​

According to the World Health Organization website, the source of the measles outbreak in the United States is still unclear. There is currently no evidence to suggest that the effectiveness of the measles vaccine has decreased or that the severity of the disease has increased due to changes in the measles virus. The United States announced the elimination of local measles disease in 2000, but there have been imported cases related to other measles spreading countries and regions since then. ​