logo
Measles surge hits US, Canada, Mexico: Over 2,500 cases reported

Measles surge hits US, Canada, Mexico: Over 2,500 cases reported

Shafaq News04-05-2025

Shafaq News/ Measles outbreaks have surged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with over 2,500 confirmed cases and four reported deaths.
The outbreaks have been attributed to declining vaccination rates, particularly in communities with low immunization coverage.
In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 935 cases across 29 states, with Texas experiencing the largest outbreak—683 cases concentrated in West Texas. The virus has also spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, with fatalities reported among unvaccinated individuals.
In Canada, Ontario has recorded 1,243 cases since October 2024, making it one of the worst outbreaks in recent years. Meanwhile, Mexico's Chihuahua state has reported 844 cases and one death, with health officials tracing the outbreak to cross-border transmission.
Experts warn that the situation could worsen if vaccination rates do not improve. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the measles risk level in North America as "high", compared to a "moderate" risk globally.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus (MeV). It primarily affects the respiratory system and spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, Koplik's spots—small white spots—may appear inside the mouth, followed by a distinct red rash that spreads across the body.
Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Possible complications include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and severe dehydration. In some cases, measles can be fatal.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

CCHF: Iraq's Samarra district records 2025 1st case
CCHF: Iraq's Samarra district records 2025 1st case

Shafaq News

time6 hours ago

  • Shafaq News

CCHF: Iraq's Samarra district records 2025 1st case

Shafaq News/ Samarra district in central Iraq has confirmed its first case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) for 2025, a source from the Saladin Health Directorate reported on Wednesday. The source told Shafaq News that the patient, 41-year-old Othman Thaj Madloul, tested positive after a June 10 sample was verified by the Central Public Health Laboratory in Baghdad using RT-PCR. Health teams quickly enforced isolation protocols, launched contact tracing, and initiated awareness campaigns in high-risk areas.

CCHF: Iraq reports 109 cases; no new infections since June 7
CCHF: Iraq reports 109 cases; no new infections since June 7

Shafaq News

time9 hours ago

  • Shafaq News

CCHF: Iraq reports 109 cases; no new infections since June 7

Shafaq News/ The number of recorded cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Iraq has reached 109 across the country since the beginning of 2025, with 18 fatalities, according to the Ministry of Health and Shafaq News tracker. Health officials told Shafaq News that no new infections have been recorded since June 7. The highly infectious viral disease, which is typically transmitted to humans through tick bites or contact with blood or tissues of infected animals—particularly during slaughter—has spread to multiple provinces, prompting health authorities to tighten monitoring and preventive measures, especially among livestock handlers and butchers. Dhi Qar remains the hardest-hit province with 31 confirmed cases and one death. Eastern Baghdad has recorded 11 cases and five deaths—the highest mortality rate so far. Wasit has reported 12 cases with one death, followed by Muthanna with eight cases and two fatalities, and Maysan with eight cases and no deaths. Cases have also been registered in at least 13 other provinces. The Ministry has implemented strict health protocols targeting high-risk sectors, particularly slaughterhouses and meat markets. "We have intensified surveillance in coordination with veterinary and municipal authorities, especially ahead of Eid al-Adha, when livestock handling and slaughtering activities increase," a ministry spokesperson told Shafaq News. The World Health Organization has previously warned that CCHF outbreaks in the region often peak during spring and summer due to heightened agricultural and animal movement activities. The Ministry urged citizens to take personal precautions, including avoiding unregulated slaughter and ensuring meat is sourced from authorized outlets.

Gaza carnage: Israel kills 53 civilians as hospitals near shutdown
Gaza carnage: Israel kills 53 civilians as hospitals near shutdown

Shafaq News

time12 hours ago

  • Shafaq News

Gaza carnage: Israel kills 53 civilians as hospitals near shutdown

Shafaq News/ At least 53 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza since dawn, as famine, mass displacement, and relentless bombardment push the territory deeper into collapse, the Palestinian Information Center reported on Wednesday. Gaza's Civil Defence confirmed 31 deaths and 200 injuries in a single strike involving tank fire and drones at a central aid distribution point in the Netzarim corridor. Spokesman Mahmoud Basal described the attack as part of an ongoing assault on areas where civilians seek food and aid. جيش الاحتلال يرتكب افضع المجازر بحق الأهالي في محيط محور "نتساريم" وسط قطاع غزة أثناء انتظارهم الحصول على المساعدات الأمريكية. — المركز الفلسطيني للإعلام (@PalinfoAr) June 11, 2025 Since the war began on October 7, 2023, more than 54,980 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed and over 126,900 injured, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. With medical systems near total shutdown, Al-Shifa Hospital director Muhammad Abu Salmiya warned the facility could close within 24 hours without fuel. استشهد 9 من أطفالها وزوجها..الطبيبة آلاء النجار تغادر غزة إلى إيطاليا مع طفلها الجريح آدم لتلقي العلاج. — شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) June 11, 2025 UN agencies estimate 93% of Gaza's population now faces extreme food insecurity while repeated airstrikes have devastated farmland, fisheries, and infrastructure, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Despite international appeals, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich maintained his refusal to allow aid into Gaza, pushing for continued military pressure to dismantle Hamas and dismissing hostage deal discussions.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store