The recent measles outbreak in a remote corner of New Mexico has raised concerns about the vaccination rates in the Mountain West region. According to federal data, many states in the region may be more at risk due to lower vaccination rates. Public health officials recommend a 95% vaccination rate in order to protect a community from measles, but the average rate among kindergartners in the Mountain West was around 90%. Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona were all close to that percentage, while Idaho had the lowest rate at just under 80%.
Pediatricians in the region are observing more families opting out of the measles vaccine, often due to lifestyle choices, particularly in rural and conservative areas. However, experts emphasize that vaccination is crucial to protect vulnerable children from the virus, which can lead to high fever, body rash, and other symptoms.
The recent measles outbreak has infected over 200 people in 12 states, leading to two deaths in New Mexico and Texas among unvaccinated individuals. Overall, New Mexico and Wyoming are the only states in the region with vaccination rates above the national average. The Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration of multiple public radio stations, produced this story with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
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