US measles cases approach 1,200; Ohio declares end to 3 outbreaks

The resurgence of measles in the United States has reached alarming levels, with nearly 1,200 confirmed cases reported this year. This figure underscores a significant public health concern, as measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe complications. In response to this crisis, Ohio officials have declared an end to three outbreaks within its borders, indicating localized control measures may be effective in managing the spread of the virus . However, while Ohio’s situation appears to improve, other states continue to grapple with ongoing outbreaks.

There have been 1,197 confirmed measles cases this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Health officials in Texas, where the nation’s biggest outbreak raged during the late winter and spring, confirmed two cases in the last week.

There are three other major outbreaks in North America. The longest, in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in 2,083 cases from mid-October through June 10. The province logged its first death June 5 in a baby who got congenital measles but also had other preexisting conditions.

Fewer than 10 of the confirmed cases are considered actively infectious. Counties with ongoing measles transmission include Gaines, Dawson, Lamar and Lubbock.

There was also a small increase Tuesday in total hospitalizations, from 94 to 96.

Gaines County, where the outbreak originated, still leads the state at 411 measles cases. There have also been 33 confirmed cases not affiliated with the outbreak, including four in Tarrant County, three in Collin County and two in Denton County.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread rapidly among unvaccinated people.

About two in three confirmed measles cases this year have been in children or teens, according to the CDC's tally. Most have been linked to local outbreaks within the U.S., many from the outbreak in Texas and neighboring states earlier this year.

While new cases around Texas slowed in April, preliminary CDC data from recently reported measles cases — backdated to when patients' symptoms began — suggests the pace of new infections nationwide began accelerating again in May.

The current list of states affected by confirmed measles cases this year: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

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Sara H

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