Measles Outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico

SOURCE www.npr.org
Measles is spreading in West Texas and New Mexico, with about 300 reported cases since January. Isolated cases linked to international travel have been reported in a dozen other states. Vaccination rates in most of the U.S. are still high enough to prevent a major outbreak, but falling rates could have long-term consequences.

Key Points

  • Measles spreading in West Texas and New Mexico
  • Isolated cases linked to international travel in about a dozen other states
  • Most U.S. vaccination rates still high enough to prevent major outbreak
  • Long-term consequences possible if vaccination rates continue to fall

Pros

  • Vaccination rates in most of the U.S. are still high enough to prevent a major outbreak

Cons

  • About 300 cases of measles reported in West Texas and New Mexico since January