WASHINGTON: A measles outbreak in the southwestern United States has resulted in two deaths and over 200 infections, prompting a leading health agency to issue a travel warning.
As of yesterday, Texas reported 198 cases and New Mexico 30, bringing the total to 228. Both states confirmed one death each, and both victims were unvaccinated.
The Texas victim was a child, while the New Mexico victim, an adult, tested positive for measles after passing away.
While the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator has not officially released the cause of the adult’s death, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified it as measles-related.
The CDC warned in a Health Alert Network advisory that more cases are expected as the outbreak continues to spread rapidly.
“With the spring and summer travel season approaching in the United States, the CDC stressed the crucial role of healthcare providers and public health officials in preventing the spread of measles,” the agency stated.
“They should be alert to cases of febrile rash illness that match the measles case definition and share effective prevention strategies, including vaccination recommendations for international travelers.”
Measles is highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets and remaining airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. The disease causes fever, respiratory symptoms, and a rash, but can also lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death.
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