DLNews Health:

“Measles Resurgence: Worst U.S. Outbreak Since Elimination, Coachella Valley Confirms Case”

In 2000, the United States proudly declared measles eliminated, a milestone many thought would hold for generations. Yet here we are in 2025, facing the most severe outbreak in a quarter century. Halfway through the year, confirmed cases have already surpassed 1,277—more than the record set in 2019—and the numbers are still climbing.

The heart of this year’s crisis can be traced back to a large outbreak in West Texas, but measles has proven that it doesn’t respect borders. Cases have now spread across 39 states, carried by travelers, fueled by community transmission, and worsened by gaps in vaccination. What makes this especially personal for our community is that Riverside County—and the Coachella Valley—has now confirmed its first measles case since 2018. The patient, who had recently traveled internationally, became the unwelcome reminder that this virus can and does find its way back home.

For many locals, news of a confirmed case here feels like a blast from the past. Parents of young children worry about exposures at schools and playgrounds, while grandparents recall stories of measles decades ago, when it was a common childhood illness that left scars in more ways than one. Doctors in the valley say they’ve seen a rise in calls from concerned families asking about vaccine records and whether their children are still protected.

Nationwide, the toll is sobering. More than 150 people have been hospitalized this year, including hundreds of children. Three families have already lost loved ones. The virus shows no signs of slowing, particularly in areas with lower vaccination rates. In Texas alone, more than 750 cases have been recorded, including two school-age children who died in the hardest-hit counties.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on earth. If an unvaccinated person is exposed, there’s a nine in ten chance they’ll get sick. Symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after contact, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Soon after, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by the telltale rash spreading across the body. While most children recover, adults often face more severe complications like pneumonia or even brain swelling, especially those with other health conditions.

The good news is that measles is preventable. The MMR vaccine offers strong protection, yet some families in our valley remain uncertain or behind on doses. Local health officials are urging everyone to double-check their records, especially before travel, and to seek medical help immediately if symptoms appear. However, they stress that—please call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office or ER so staff can take precautions to protect others.

The Coachella Valley has always been a community that looks out for one another. In moments like this, prevention is not just a personal choice but a civic duty. Vaccinating protects your own family—and just as importantly, it protects your neighbors, your classmates, and the most vulnerable among us.

Read: https://desertlocalnews.com/blog/the-vaccine-backslide-that-could-shorten-our-lifespans