Authorities in New Mexico have reported the death of an adult infected with measles, following a similar tragic incident involving an unvaccinated child in Texas. The outbreak has affected nearly 160 individuals in Texas alone. The deceased adult, who had not been vaccinated and did not seek medical assistance prior to passing away, resided near the outbreak zone in west Texas. The cause of death is currently being investigated.
Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is deploying resources to aid in the response to the outbreak. In New Mexico, this latest fatality brings the total number of confirmed measles cases to 10 in Lea County.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. underscored the necessity of measles vaccines for community protection, while also advocating for individual choice in healthcare decisions. The outbreak primarily affects unvaccinated children, highlighting the critical need for vaccination to curb the epidemic.
To combat the spread of measles, the CDC recommends that all children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, while unvaccinated adults should consider getting vaccinated to bolster immunity. The outbreak, which began in January, underscores the importance of vaccination in safeguarding public health.
Source: Adapted from original article on New Mexico adult’s measles-related death, one week after Texas child’s tragedy during outbreak.
