Between Saturdays
Deadly measles outbreak does little to counter vaccine scepticism in Texas-BBC News
This week’s headlines paint a troubling picture.
From rising measles cases to dangerous misinformation about vitamin A, the signals are clear: gaps in immunization are widening, and public health is feeling the strain.
Below are a few key developments worth your attention—each tied to broader systemic issues explored in my latest Short Dive.
What Stood Out…
📍 934 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. (CDC, April 11)
More than 3x the number reported at the same time last year. The majority are in unvaccinated children across 12 states. Texas and New Mexico are reporting the highest hospitalization rates.
📍 Hospitals report rise in vitamin A toxicity
Emergency departments in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico are seeing pediatric cases of acute vitamin A overdose. Many involve parents who opted for supplements instead of the MMR vaccine. Clinical guidance remains clear: vitamin A is not a substitute for immunization and, in excess, can be life-threatening.
📍 MMR coverage drops below herd immunity levels
According to data from the 2023–2024 school year, only 11 states reached the 95% MMR threshold required to prevent outbreaks. One private school in Texas reported just 14% coverage among kindergarteners. In such settings, a single case could infect 7 out of 10 students.
Read My Short Dive: America’s Measles Rebound
It investigates:
What’s driving the 2025 measles resurgence
Why vitamin A misinformation is spreading
Which states and schools are most at risk
What steps you can take now to ensure protection
Written for parents, educators, clinicians, and policymakers. Grounded in CDC data, peer-reviewed science, and expert interviews. No panic. Just facts.
Short Dive: America’s Measles Rebound
“CDC confirms over 900 measles cases as of April 2025—more than triple the rate from the same time last year.”
I’d welcome your thoughts.
— Summaya Khan