U.S. sees surge in measles cases, Texas hit hardest

The United States has reported a total of 301 confirmed measles cases so far this year, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday.

The cases have been reported across 15 U.S. jurisdictions. Among the confirmed cases, 50 individuals have been hospitalized, and two have died.

Texas has seen a rise in measles cases since January, with 259 cases confirmed as of Friday. Thirty-four of the patients have required hospitalization. The Texas Department of State Health Services has warned that, due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, additional cases are expected in both the outbreak areas and nearby communities.

Measles is an extremely contagious viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It typically causes symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that spreads across the body. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling and even death.

The CDC emphasizes that the best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are highly effective in preventing the disease.