### CDC Reports Surge in Measles Cases as Outbreak Spreads Across the U.S.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented 42 new measles cases in its weekly update, signaling a troubling rise in infections. These new cases are predominantly connected to a large outbreak in West Texas, along with instances of community transmission and travel-related infections. This development brings the total number of cases in the country to 1,088.

This week saw Iowa and Nebraska reporting their first measles cases, pushing the number of affected states to 33. Out of these, 14 states are currently experiencing outbreaks, with 90% of the total cases being outbreak-related. A staggering 96% of the reported patients are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. The infection is distributed nearly equally among young children under the age of five, school-aged children, and adults over the age of 20.

The CDC has also revised its measles travel advisory this week due to a rise in cases globally. The agency now recommends that all international travelers be fully vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This includes administering an early dose to infants aged between six to eleven months.

In Texas, the Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) announced nine additional cases in the West Texas outbreak, increasing its total to 738 since January. Though 35 counties have reported cases related to the outbreak, only seven counties are currently experiencing ongoing transmission. Texas also recorded eight new cases from various other sources, not linked to the larger outbreak, bringing that total to 32.

Other states connected to the West Texas outbreak, such as New Mexico and Oklahoma, did not report new cases. Kansas, however, confirmed a total of 64 cases across 11 counties on May 28, of which 59 were linked to an outbreak in the southwestern part of the state.

In a related cluster, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has confirmed three cases linked to a Turkish Airlines flight that landed in Denver on May 13. Among the affected in Colorado, two were previously announced as a traveler and a child from Arapahoe County, both likely contracted it on the flight. The latest case involves a vaccinated adult from Arapahoe County.

Montana health officials confirmed their second case in Flathead County, involving a person who had traveled out-of-state. Gallatin County also reported two new community cases in addition to an earlier family cluster, bringing their total to 10. In Michigan, the Marquette County Health Department confirmed a new case in a local resident and is collaborating with state health officials to investigate the situation further.