What's happened
A measles outbreak in the US has led to increased school absences, especially in Texas and South Carolina, driven by low vaccination rates and health restrictions. No deaths reported, but quarantine and absenteeism highlight ongoing vaccination challenges and public health responses.
What's behind the headline?
The current measles outbreak underscores the persistent vulnerabilities in US vaccination efforts. Despite being declared eliminated, measles has resurged in communities with low immunization rates, exposing gaps in public health strategies. The spike in school absences, particularly in Texas and South Carolina, illustrates how vaccine hesitancy and exemptions undermine herd immunity. The response—quarantines and exclusion from schools—further disrupts education and highlights the tension between individual choice and community health. This outbreak will likely accelerate debates over vaccination policies and could prompt stricter immunization requirements. The long-term impact may include renewed focus on vaccine education and efforts to close coverage gaps, but the challenge remains significant given the politicized nature of vaccine acceptance in some regions.
What the papers say
The New York Times emphasizes the community impact and the social tensions surrounding vaccine resistance, quoting Dr. Justin Moll on the shift from curiosity to fear among parents. All Africa reports on the broader public health response and the importance of vaccination in preventing future outbreaks. The Independent and AP News highlight the educational disruptions caused by absenteeism and quarantine measures, with Stanford University’s study providing detailed data on the rise in school absences. These sources collectively illustrate the multifaceted consequences of the outbreak, from health risks to educational setbacks, and the ongoing challenge of vaccine hesitancy in the US.
How we got here
The US declared measles eradicated in 2000 due to widespread vaccination. However, recent years have seen a resurgence linked to declining vaccination rates, driven by exemptions and vaccine hesitancy. The outbreak in Seminole, Texas, and South Carolina reflects these trends, with low vaccination coverage contributing to the spread and school disruptions.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are Measles Cases Rising in the US?
Recent outbreaks of measles across parts of the US have raised concerns among parents, health officials, and communities. Despite being declared eliminated in 2000, measles is making a comeback, especially in areas with low vaccination rates. This page explores why cases are rising, the risks involved, and what parents can do to protect their children. If you're wondering about the current situation and how to stay safe, read on for answers to your most pressing questions.
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What’s Causing the Measles Outbreak in Texas?
A recent measles outbreak in Seminole, Texas, has raised concerns about vaccination rates and public health. Many are asking what led to this surge in cases, how schools are responding, and what parents can do to protect their children. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this outbreak and what it means for the community and beyond.
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What’s the Latest on the Measles Outbreak in Texas?
A recent measles outbreak in Seminole, Texas, has raised concerns about vaccination rates and public health. With 141 confirmed cases and a significant rise in student absences, many are wondering how serious this outbreak is, why vaccination coverage is low, and what steps can be taken to protect communities. Below, we answer the most common questions about this outbreak and what it means for you and your family.
More on these topics
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Thomas S. Dee is an American economist and the Barnett Family Professor of Education at Stanford University, where he also directs the John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities.
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Texas is a state in the South Central Region of the United States. It is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population.
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Stanford University, officially Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research university in Stanford, California. Stanford is ranked among the top five universities in the world in major education publications.
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Measles (probably from Middle Dutch or Middle High German masel(e), meaning "blemish, blood blister") is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable infectious disease caused by measles virus. Other names include morbilli, rubeola, 9-day measles, red measles