Measles cases rise in the US, health workers ramp up vaccinations
Health workers ramp up vaccinations amid outbreak concerns (Photo: Getty Images)
Public health experts warn of growing measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, drawing parallels with the 2019 crisis in New York, reports CNN.
How New York battled the worst measles outbreak in decades
In 2019, New York faced one of the worst measles outbreaks in recent US history, with over 900 reported cases, primarily in Orthodox Jewish communities. Public health officials had to implement aggressive vaccination campaigns, issue emergency mandates, and work closely with community leaders to curb the spread.
Dr. Neil Vora, who was involved in the response at the time, emphasized the importance of vaccines.
"Vaccination is the most important way to prevent the devastating disease that measles can be," she says.
Efforts included door-to-door outreach, on-site vaccinations, and dispelling misinformation that had fueled vaccine hesitancy. Despite initial resistance, vaccination rates among affected communities increased significantly, preventing a much larger outbreak.
Current outbreaks pose new risks
Now, a similar crisis is unfolding in West Texas and New Mexico, where nearly 230 cases have been reported within a Mennonite community that, like New York’s Orthodox Jewish groups, has a history of vaccine skepticism. With two measles-related deaths already confirmed, public health officials fear the outbreak could continue for months.
Dr. Blima Marcus, who worked to counter vaccine misinformation in 2019, stressed the need for culturally sensitive outreach: "People are averse to being told what to do by those who don’t understand their beliefs. The only way to shift the narrative is through community-driven education and engagement."
Health workers are now scrambling to boost vaccination efforts, but concerns remain that under-resourced areas may struggle to contain the spread.
While officials work to prevent further escalation, the rise in measles cases in the US highlights the ongoing battle against misinformation and the critical role of proactive public health measures.
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