Good morning. It’s Wednesday, March 20. Here’s what you need to know to start your day.
The United States is grappling with its worst measles outbreak in years, with cases reported in 16 states, raising concerns about the resurgence of a disease once deemed eliminated. Vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19-related delays in vaccinations, and global travel have contributed to the spread.
Meanwhile, a pandemic-era surge in gun violence has disproportionately impacted Black communities, leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to declare gun homicides a public health crisis. A new report highlights the devastating effects on school-age Black children, with gun homicides among Black youths more than doubling since 2019 and creating long-term psychological and educational challenges.
U.S. measles outbreak: Cases increase in 16 states, vaccine hesitancy and travel linked
The United States is currently experiencing its worst measles outbreak in years, with cases reported in 16 states. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes a rash, high fever, runny nose, and cough. The disease was deemed eliminated in the US in 2000, but cases have been on the rise again due to a lack of vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy is not the only reason for the outbreak, as over 61 million doses of measles-containing vaccines were postponed or missed from 2020 to 2022 due to COVID-19-related delays. Travel also remains a high risk for transmission, with outbreaks happening around the world.
Educational crisis: Gun violence surge disproportionately impacts black youths in the US
The pandemic-era surge in gun violence has disproportionately affected Black communities, with gun homicides declared a public health crisis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A new report by KFF, a health policy nonprofit, reveals that the surge has also created an educational crisis, with a disturbing number of school-age Black boys and girls exposed to deadly gun violence. Gun homicides among Black youths have more than doubled since 2019, and Black children are six times more likely than their white peers to die from gunfire. The report highlights the long-term psychological effects of exposure to gun violence, which can negatively impact education, including increased absenteeism, difficulties concentrating, and other behavior issues.
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