Texas, New Mexico report increase in measles cases
Reuters
Health authorities in Texas and New Mexico have reported a significant rise in measles infections, with the combined total now reaching 228 cases. The outbreak, which began in West Texas in late January, has resulted in the first measles deaths in a decade in the United States.
In Texas, state health officials confirmed that measles cases have increased to 198, marking a jump of 39 cases. Gaines County, one of the hardest-hit areas, now accounts for 137 infections following the addition of 30 new cases. A week ago, Texas also reported the death of an unvaccinated child with no underlying health conditions.
New Mexico saw a sharp rise in cases as well, with numbers increasing from 10 on Thursday to 30 on Friday. In the state, an adult measles-related death has been confirmed, with medical examiners still investigating the case. This marks the first death attributed to measles in New Mexico.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert urging physicians to remain vigilant for symptoms such as fever and rash. The agency reiterated that robust immunization programs, particularly the administration of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, remain the most effective tools for preventing measles. The CDC recommends that all U.S. residents born after 1957 should either be vaccinated or have documented immunity from laboratory confirmation of the disease.
The outbreak presents a challenging scenario for U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been a prominent vaccine skeptic. During a recent cabinet meeting, Kennedy downplayed the significance of the measles deaths, describing such outbreaks as ordinary, though he later emphasized the importance of vaccination in an opinion piece published on Fox News. Kennedy also noted that vitamin A supplements, which have been sent by the CDC, can help ease symptoms in individuals who are malnourished or vitamin A deficient.
In response to the growing outbreak, U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone (New Jersey), Diana DeGette (Colorado), and Yvette Clarke (New York) have called for a congressional oversight hearing to examine the rapid spread of measles and the response efforts.
As health officials continue to monitor the situation, they stress the importance of vaccination and prompt reporting of symptoms to contain the spread of the disease.
15:00
Antarctica
Antarctica’s ozone hole is healing and is expected to disappear entirely in the near future
A new MIT study confirms that the ozone hole over Antarctica is healing, thanks to global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances, with full recovery possible in the next decade.
14:30
Mass for the Jubilee of volunteers in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican
Rome hosts the fifth major Jubilee event this weekend, with 25,000 pilgrims and volunteers from 100+ countries gathering for a pilgrimage, cultural dialogues, and a Mass led by Cardinal Michael Czerny in St. Peter’s Square.
12:38
Serbia Protests
In Serbia, female students marked International Women's Day by leading protests against corruption
On International Women's Day, female students in Serbia took the lead in ongoing protests against corruption, with thousands joining a separate student-led rally to challenge the populist government, amid growing public discontent following a deadly incident linked to government negligence.
12:21
China Inventions
XPeng to mass-produce flying cars by 2026
XPeng Motors plans to mass-produce flying cars by 2026, becoming the first company globally to do so. CEO He Xiaopeng also highlighted advancements in autonomous driving and humanoid robotics as part of the company’s future tech initiatives.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment