As the measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico continues to grow, doctors say this is a good time to remember just how dangerous measles can be - even years after an infection.
Maria Godoy is a senior science and health editor and correspondent with NPR ¹ÏÉñapp. Her reporting can be heard across NPR's news shows and podcasts. She is also one of the hosts of NPR's Life Kit.
There are now two confirmed deaths in a measles outbreak that has spread from West Texas across the border into New Mexico. And infectious disease doctors are concerned RFK Jr.'s response is missing the mark.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., says the CDC has sent vaccines to Texas, but emphasizes using vitamin A to treat the disease -- worrying infectious disease doctors.
Vaccination eliminated measles from the U.S. 25 years ago. But it can still spread in pockets where vaccination rates are low, like the west Texas county with a current outbreak. Here's how fast.