The current measles outbreak has gripped US states like Texas and New Mexico leaving people worried whether it would become a new pandemic. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services as of February 21, 90 cases were diagnosed in the last month in the South Plains area, with at least 77 of them were reported in children and teens under 17.

Measles is highly contagious and can be deadly. The outbreak, which started spreading in late January, has resulted in multiple hospitalizations, with at least nine confirmed cases and three probable cases as of early February. Health officials caution that at least one in five infected individuals will have to be hospitalized, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Misinformation surrounding vaccines and with the new Trump administration anti-vaccine campaigs, has causing parents to hesitate or refuse vaccination.

Furthermore, the country down under Australia is also witnessing a surge in measles cases as health officials in Sydney have issued an urgent alert, urging residents to watch for measles symptoms after an infected individual visited several places in Sydney over the last seven days.

Authorities report that the traveller had returned from South East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles.

What Are The Symptoms Measles?

Key symptoms of measles include fever, a runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough. Typically, a red, blotchy rash appears three to four days later, spreading from the head down to the body. Symptoms can manifest between 7 and 18 days after exposure.

Anyone who experiences these symptoms after potential exposure should immediately contact their doctor or emergency department. It is crucial to call ahead before visiting to avoid potentially exposing others in the waiting room. Dr. Selvey also highlighted that ongoing measles outbreaks are occurring in various parts of the world, making awareness and prompt action essential.

Why It Is Important To Get Vaccinated?

According to CDC everyone should get the MMR vaccine. It protects you from measles, mumps, and rubella. Getting vaccinated helps stop these diseases from spreading. There are two safe MMR vaccines available. They work the same way, so it doesn't matter which one you get. Kids can also get a shot that protects against chickenpox too, but this is only for children.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Kids Need Two Shots

All children should get two MMR shots. The first shot should be given when they are between 12 and 15 months old. The second shot should be given when they are between 4 and 6 years old. If needed, the second shot can be given earlier, but it must be at least 28 days after the first shot.

College Students Need to Be Protected

Students going to college or other schools after high school, need two shots if they are not already immune. The shots must be at least 28 days apart.

Adults Need at Least One Shot

Most adults need at least one MMR shot. Some adults need two shots, especially those who work in healthcare, travel a lot, or go to college. These people should get two shots, with 28 days between them.

Travelers Need to Be Extra Careful

Anyone traveling to other countries should make sure they are protected. Babies 6 to 11 months old should get one shot before traveling. Kids 12 months and older, teens, and adults need two shots, with 28 days between them.

Healthcare Workers Must Be Immune

People who work in healthcare should have proof that they are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella. If they are not immune, they need two MMR shots, spaced 28 days apart.

Women Thinking About Having Babies

Women who might get pregnant should talk to their doctor about the MMR vaccine. It's safe to get the shot while breastfeeding.

The World Cup is at the doorstep, and fans are excited to witness their favorite stars once again in their clash to get the golden trophy. It has been over 20 years since the World Cup returned to the US, though Canada and Mexico are also among the hosts. The fans are reaching America from all over the world. The players are also ready to make their mark on the largest scale of the sport.

Thus, it becomes crucial to keep the athletes fit and healthy. There is a huge team behind the scenes to treat and take care of your favorite stars, which requires strategy, planning, and most of all, accurate execution. On this backdrop comes a name that makes the difference known as the Pro Sports Doc, Riley J. Williams III, who is known to be an expert, and he will coordinate medical care during this demanding tournament.

The Pro Sports Doc, with his 20 years of experience, will be working and coordinating medical care in the New York / New Jersey area. In an interview with Muscle and Fitness, Riley J. Williams III put emphasis on players getting acclimatized and synchronizing their sleeping patterns with North America. He also mentioned creatine as a great health supplement. He also reveals that his team has readied the entire spectrum of possible medical issues that might occur while teams are in the market.

FIFA has also issued standard procedures to keep the players safe. Each Participating Member Association shall include at least one team medical doctor in its delegation, to be present in the technical area during all matches. It is a mandatory requirement that the team medical doctor of each Participating Member Association complete and successfully pass the “Concussion” and “Sudden Cardiac Arrest” modules of the FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine before the FIFA World Cup 26.

The team's medical doctor is responsible for the overall health of their team delegation and any clinical decision‑making in this regard, both on and off the field of play. Although the team doctors’ primary responsibility is to the players, their medical responsibility extends to all other members of the delegation. As such, all team doctors shall ensure that they have the appropriate registration and licence in their home country.

Each Participating Member Association shall ensure and confirm to FIFA that its players have undergone a cardiac screening, including personal and family history, clinical examination, and resting 12‑lead ECG, within the last 12 months and an echocardiography within the last 24 months before the start of the final competition of the FIFA World Cup 26. If specifically performed for the tournament, FIFA recommends that participating teams use the screening form developed by FIFA cardiology consultants.

More than 2,000 confirmed measles cases have been recorded in the United States so far this year, putting the country on track for its worst measles outbreak in decades.

The virus continues to spread in unvaccinated and under-vaccinated communities, including among infants who are too young to receive the vaccine, highlighting the growing impact of misinformation and declining vaccination rates.

Although measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000 and past outbreaks were rapidly contained, vaccination coverage has fallen in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the risk of larger and more difficult-to-control outbreaks.

Health Experts have argued that the situation has been worsened by vaccine skepticism promoted by President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy has repeatedly framed measles vaccination as a personal choice and has also promoted vitamin A as a treatment option during the outbreak, prompting a surge in public interest.

RFK Jr.'s Statements Surged Vitamin A For Measles

Also read: Heading to FIFA World Cup 2026? Here's How to Stay Safe From Measles, Heatstroke

A June 2026 study published in the JAMA Network claimed that internet searches combining "vitamin A" and "measles" increased by 44 per cent on February 26, 2025, and reached peak popularity on March 22, 2025.

The study, led by Boston Children’s Hospital and University of California, also found that searches for "cod liver oil" and measles peaked at 52.6 per cent on March 5, 2025, following government statements in February advocating vitamin A as a treatment.

Earlier in 2025, Kennedy also falsely claimed that the MMR vaccine—which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella—causes encephalitis, or brain swelling, while also saying it "does stop the spread of the disease."

Excessive Vitamin A Use Led To Poisonings

In April 2025, America's Poison Centers (APC) reported a rise in the use of alternative measles prevention methods and warned about the risks associated with excessive consumption of vitamin A and cod liver oil, People.com reported.

"For patients with measles, particularly hospitalized children, vitamin A supplementation is recommended to help reduce the risk of severe complications," APC said in a statement.

According to APC, symptoms of vitamin A toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headaches caused by increased intracranial pressure, bone pain, vision changes, and liver damage.

The organization reported 86 pediatric vitamin A exposure cases between January 1 and March 31, 2025—a 38.7 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2024. However, APC noted that there had been no increase in the severity of poisonings, with no major adverse effects reported in 2025.

Is Vitamin A Recommended for Measles?

Read More: Confused By Your Cholesterol Report? Here's What LDL And ApoB Really Mean

According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin A supplementation is recommended for children with measles who are at increased risk of vitamin A deficiency. Research suggests that supplementation may help reduce the risk of death and severe complications from the disease.

However, health experts continue to stress that the MMR vaccine remains the most effective method of preventing measles.

"If someone is infected with measles, then vitamin A can help mitigate some of the longer-term sequelae, but it does not prevent measles in an unvaccinated person," infectious disease epidemiologist Catherine Troisi told Houston Public Media.

"Moderate doses of vitamin A can be useful in treatment, but the better choice is to prevent measles from happening in the first place through vaccination."

The much-awaited 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin tonight. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico across 16 cities in the three countries.

The 39-day event kicks off in Mexico on Thursday amid ongoing health outbreaks such as measles, Ebola, and hantavirus.

More than 750,000 soccer fans are expected to travel from over 100 countries to witness 104 matches. The influx of visitors will crowd public transportation, restaurants, and other public spaces, increasing the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, heat-related illnesses, and injuries.

Ahead of the mass gatherings, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued new public health recommendations for travelers.

"The celebration happens both inside and outside the stadiums, but to fully enjoy it, it's important to take care of yourself and stay informed," PAHO said.

FIFA World Cup 2026: PAHO's Key Health Recommendations for Travelers

Keep Vaccinations Up to Date

Check your protection against measles, which is on the rise across the Americas.

Other recommended vaccines include:

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Hepatitis A and B

Prepare Before Traveling

• Carry a basic health kit.
• Bring enough medication for the entire trip.
• Confirm health insurance coverage.
• Keep copies of passports, vaccination records, and insurance documents.

Also read: US Pushes Europe for Ebola Travel Curbs Ahead of FIFA World Cup: Which Countries Have Bans And Do They Work?

Stay Healthy During the Tournament

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Drink safe water.
• Eat properly cooked food.
• Ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces.

Protect Yourself From Heat

• Stay hydrated.
• Seek shade whenever possible.
• Avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day.

Stay Safe in Crowded Venues

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid heavily congested areas.
• Identify emergency exits when entering stadiums and fan zones.

Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases

• Use insect repellent.
• Wear protective clothing.
• Be aware of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya risks, particularly in some host cities in Mexico.

Practice Safe Sex

• Use condoms correctly to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

• Alcohol can worsen dehydration and impair judgment, especially in crowded or hot environments.

Rely on Official Information

• Follow updates from health authorities and trusted sources.
• Be cautious of misinformation circulating during major events.

Seek Medical Care if Symptoms Develop

• Fever, rash, or breathing difficulties should be evaluated promptly.
• Inform healthcare providers about recent travel and attendance at World Cup events.

Monitor Your Health After Returning Home

• Some illnesses may appear days after exposure.
• Seek medical care if you develop fever, rash, or respiratory symptoms after your trip and inform healthcare providers about your recent travel history.

FIFA World Cup: US Experts To Monitor Wastewater

A public health team based in Washington, D.C., plans to monitor wastewater and internet activity to detect and track infectious diseases should they emerge in any of the US or Canadian cities hosting World Cup matches, players, and millions of spectators, Reuters reported.

Detecting disease-causing microorganisms in wastewater can provide an early warning of emerging outbreaks, giving health officials time to alert clinicians to watch for symptoms that might otherwise be misdiagnosed and to encourage the public to take preventive measures.

FIFA World Cup: Heat A Major Health Risk

Read More: Confused By Your Cholesterol Report? Here's What LDL And ApoB Really Mean

Beyond infectious diseases, heat is expected to be a major concern during the FIFA World Cup. Host cities such as Houston, Miami, Mexico City and Los Angeles can experience extreme temperatures in June and July, making it dangerous for fans standing outdoors in large crowds for extended periods.

Writing in Forbes, Jesse Pines, an integrative medicine physician at Eterna Integrative and a Clinical Professor at George Washington University (GW), explained that heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and loses vital fluids and salts through sweating.

"Warning signs include dizziness, a rapid but weak pulse and cool, clammy skin. Left untreated, it can escalate quickly into heat stroke — a life-threatening emergency that can kill or cause permanent brain damage. Core body temperature above 104 degrees F, confusion and cessation of sweating are the hallmarks," he said.

Pines noted that alcohol can significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness. To reduce the risk, he recommends eating a full meal before drinking, choosing water over alcoholic beverages and keeping electrolyte drinks on hand.

Who Is Most at Risk?

The expert said certain groups may face a higher risk during mass gatherings in summer heat, including:

• People aged 65 and older
• Individuals with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, COPD or kidney disease
• People who are immunocompromised
• Pregnant fans