A second child in Texas has died from measles, one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Measles had been eliminated from the United States in 2000 thanks to vaccines, but now it’s making a dangerous comeback.
Why Is Measles Spreading Again?
In recent years, fewer children in the U.S. have been getting vaccinated. This is partly because of false claims that vaccines are unsafe. As a result, measles cases are rising again.
So far in 2025, the U.S. has already seen more measles cases than in all of 2024. As of April 3, there have been 607 cases, with 124 reported just in the last week. Most cases are from West Texas and New Mexico.
In Europe, the situation is worse. There were over 127,000 cases in 2024 — the highest in 25 years.
Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, 3 to 4 million people in the U.S. got measles every year. Around 48,000 were hospitalized, and 400–500 people died, mostly children.
Measles Symptoms and Risks
Measles can cause:
- Fever, cough, and rash
- Ear infections and hearing loss
- Pneumonia
- Diarrhea and croup
- Swelling of the brain (which can be deadly)
- Blindness
Even healthy children can get very sick or die from measles. In pregnant women who are not vaccinated, measles can lead to premature birth or babies with low birth weight.
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Measles Vaccine: Why It Matters
The measles vaccine is safe and effective. To stop the spread, at least 95% of children need to be vaccinated.
Unfortunately, vaccination rates in the U.S. have dropped from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 92.7% in 2023-2024. In the Texas county with the current outbreak, only 80% of kindergartners were vaccinated.
This makes it easier for the virus to spread, especially among people who can’t get the vaccine due to age or health issues.
False claims that vaccines cause autism have played a big role in lowering vaccination rates. These claims are based on a study from the 1990s that has since been proven wrong. Many scientific studies have confirmed that vaccines do not cause autism.
Measles Treatment
There is no specific medicine to cure measles. But you can manage the symptoms with:
- Rest
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Fever-reducing medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Doctors may use antibiotics if there are other infections like pneumonia or ear infections. In serious cases, steroids might be used to treat brain swelling, but they can also weaken the immune system.
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FAQs
Q1. What are the symptoms of measles?
A1. Common symptoms include fever, cough, rash, ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, and brain swelling. It can lead to serious illness or death, especially in children.
Q2. Is there a cure for measles?
A2. No, there is no specific cure. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
