Multiple reports of a measles outbreak have been announced in various states across the United States. Most of these come from Texas, where there have been more than 200 cases and two deaths.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease spreads through the air through triggers in the respiratory system, such as coughing and sneezing. Although there are no cures for measles, the vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) is heavily recommended by healthcare professionals as the best preventative measure. 

However, the current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert Kennedy Jr., had taken a more relaxed approach. Critics of the White House’s approach note that Kennedy has promoted misinformation and misleading information about the outbreak during White House press conferences, including its cause and the number of deaths.

While the number of cases reported has rapidly increased, residents of measle hot spots in Texas and New Mexico have begun taking their own precautions to limit the spread. For example, Dallas County has created immunization clinics for children under 18. Additionally, local health departments have been encouraging vaccination efforts amongst their communities.

More information and a tracker of the spread of the measles can be found here.