The Texas Clinic opens to fight against the worst measles epidemic in 30 years
There have been more than 500 cases of measles reported in the state of Texas – the worst epidemic for decades.
THE Virginia Department of Health confirmed the first case of the state of the state of the year, which makes the 26th state to report cases in the middle of a worrying epidemic.
The case in Virginia involves a child aged 1 to 4 who lives in the northwest region of the state and recently traveled internationally, according to the Department of Health. It is not clear if the child has been vaccinated because the ministry did not provide additional information on the patient to protect the privacy of the family.
“This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of the ease with which this very contagious disease can spread, in particular with international trips,” said the epidemiologist of the Laurie Forlano State in a press release. “Vaccination remains our best defense against measles and is safe and very effective in protecting people and preventing epidemics. We urge Virginians, in particular those who plan to travel, to check their vaccination status, speak to their health care provider and obtain the ROR vaccine if necessary. ”
Since April 17, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 24 states had confirmed 800 cases of measles: Alaska, Arkansas, Calorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Texas, Vermont and Washington.
Only four months after 2025, the country Current epidemics Eclipped the 285 cases of measles reported in 2024.
Where are potential exhibition sites in Virginia?
According to the State Health Department, potential exposure sites include:
- Kaiser Permanent Caton Hill Medical Center, Advanced Urgent Care, located at 13285 Minnieville Road in Woodbridge, April 15 from 1:30 p.m.
- Kaiser Permanente Fredericksburg Medical Center, department of pediatrics, located at 1201 Hospital Drive in Fredericksburg, April 16 from midday at 5 p.m.
What should people do if they have been exposed?
People who have not contracted measles is advised to obtain a vaccine containing measles (either the measles vaccine, mumps and rubella (MMR), or a measles vaccine, which is available in other countries).
According to the State Health Department, those which have received two doses of a vaccine containing measles or were born before 1957 are protected and do not need to take any measure. Even a dose of a vaccine containing measles is very likely to protect from infection.
If you think you have been exposed to measles, the state health service highly recommends:
- Contact your health care provider immediately.
- Monitor the symptoms for 21 days after the date of potential exposure. If symptoms of measles are presented, isolate yourself immediately while staying at home.
- Call the office of your health care provider or for emergencies before going to the office of your health care provider to inform them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health service.
- Consult your health care provider if you have an immunocompromised condition for questions or if you are developing symptoms.
American reaches the milestone of measles
Until now, 10 measles epidemics, defined as three or more linked cases, have been reported in 2025, and 94% of confirmed cases (751 out of 800) are associated with the epidemic, According to figures published by the CDC.
As a comparison, 16 epidemics were reported in 2024 and 69% of cases (198 out of 285) were associated with epidemics, added the agency.
The CDC said that eleven percent (85) of the 800 confirmed cases led to hospitalizations. There were three deaths related to measles in 2025, according to the agency.
The Texas Health Service reported more than 540 cases of measles, according to the state health service, which confirmed that two non-vaccinated children without underlying health problems died of the disease, including an 8 -year -old girl.
Contribution: Adrianna Rodriguez / USA Today
This story has been updated to add new information.