Measles cases surge in the US, raising pandemic fears

Measles cases are rising quickly across the United States, raising alarms among health experts. There are fears this outbreak could lead to a global pandemic. As of now, multiple states have reported new cases linked to international travel. In the first quarter of 2025, over 50 cases have been confirmed in at least 16 states, which is higher than the total for all of last year. States like Ohio, Maryland, Alabama, and Kansas have reported new infections, mainly among unvaccinated children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that this is the worst measles outbreak in over 20 years. Health officials attribute the surge to declining vaccination rates, driven by misinformation and hesitancy. Measles is highly contagious and can remain in the air for several hours, making it easy to spread. It can cause severe health issues, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Experts are also concerned about India, which eliminated measles in 2019. However, with a large population and some areas with low vaccination rates, the risk of localized outbreaks remains. Health authorities urge vigilance and recommend vaccinations to help prevent any resurgence of the virus.