A child has died from measles in the United States, marking the first measles-related death in 10 years. The outbreak is affecting Texas and New Mexico, and health officials are warning people in Washington state to stay cautious about the disease.
In Washington, six measles cases were reported in 2024, but there have been no new cases this year. However, two exposures were confirmed, but no one became sick because they were vaccinated. Dr. James Lewis, a health officer in Snohomish County, said Washington could see more cases, just like other parts of the country.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. In Washington state, 91.3% of children were vaccinated in 2023-2024, but some parents are still concerned.
David Schoen, a parent, said getting vaccinated is the best choice for protecting children’s health. But other parents, like Christopher J. Zarati, believe that vaccines aren’t always perfect, so they’re less worried about the disease.
The CDC says vaccination rates dropped during the pandemic, leaving some children without the MMR vaccine. Health officials urge parents to make sure their children are vaccinated. Young children are at risk for serious illness from measles, so getting vaccinated is important for their health.
In summary, while there haven’t been many cases in Washington state, measles is still a risk. Vaccination remains the best way to protect against the disease, and it’s important for everyone to stay up-to-date on their shots.
