As US measles cases continue to rise, so do vaccinations

BBC - Mar 21st, 2025

The measles outbreak in west Texas and New Mexico is intensifying, with 309 cases in Texas and 42 in New Mexico, resulting in two measles-related deaths. This surge has led to increased vaccination efforts, with more people receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine compared to last year. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, providing 97% protection against the virus, which can cause severe complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the current number of cases in the first three months of 2025 has surpassed the total cases in 2024, marking the highest numbers since 2019.

The outbreak's epicenter remains in western Texas and New Mexico, but cases are also appearing in other US states and Canada, with 224 cases reported in Canada. Despite measles being declared eliminated in the US 25 years ago, outbreaks still occur, defined by three or more related cases. This situation underscores the critical importance of vaccination, especially as the US had not recorded a measles death since 2015 until this year. The CDC plans to address the situation further in an upcoming public meeting of its independent vaccine advisory panel in mid-April, highlighting the ongoing public health challenge posed by measles and the need for continued vigilance and vaccination efforts.

Vaccination Texas Cdc Public Health New Mexico Mmr Vaccine Measles Outbreak

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the current measles outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico, highlighting the rise in cases and corresponding increase in vaccination rates. It effectively uses reputable sources, such as the CDC and state health departments, to support its claims. While the story is timely and relevant to public health discussions, it could benefit from greater transparency in data sourcing and a broader range of perspectives. The article is well-structured and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the implications of the outbreak. Overall, it is a reliable and informative piece that contributes positively to public health awareness.

Accuracy

The story generally aligns with verified data, such as the rise in measles cases in West Texas and New Mexico, and the increase in vaccination rates. The claim that there have been more measles cases in the first three months of 2025 than in all of 2024 is consistent with CDC data. However, the exact numbers of cases in Texas and New Mexico, as well as the specifics of measles-related deaths, require more precise verification. The article accurately states the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine and the historical context of measles cases in the US. Overall, the story's factual basis is strong, but some details need further confirmation.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by presenting both the rise in measles cases and the increase in vaccination rates. It highlights the severity of the outbreak while also offering a positive outlook on vaccination efforts. However, the piece could benefit from more perspectives, such as expert opinions on the outbreak's causes or potential solutions. The focus is primarily on statistics and outcomes, with limited exploration of underlying factors or differing viewpoints.

Clarity

The language used in the article is clear and straightforward, making it accessible to a general audience. The structure is logical, with a clear progression from the current situation to historical context and future implications. There are no significant issues with tone or neutrality, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow. Minor improvements could be made in explaining complex terms or concepts for readers unfamiliar with medical terminology.

Source quality

The article relies on reputable sources such as the CDC and the Associated Press, which enhances its credibility. The use of official health department data from Texas and New Mexico adds authority to the reporting. However, there is a lack of direct attribution for some claims, such as the exact number of cases in specific states, which slightly affects the overall source quality. Including a broader range of expert sources could further strengthen the article's reliability.

Transparency

The article provides some context and background information, such as the history of measles outbreaks in the US and the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine. However, it lacks transparency in terms of methodology and data sourcing for specific claims, such as the exact number of cases and deaths. More explicit disclosure of how data was obtained and potential conflicts of interest would enhance transparency.