Measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico highlight the risks associated with low vaccination rates, as measles is highly contagious and can be fatal. Arizona schoolchildren have been skipping required vaccinations at an increasing rate,

The first child in 10 years had died from the measles in Texas, and Arizona lacks the herd immunity to keep kids and vulnerable adults safe.

Low vaccination rates are to blame for a deadly measles outbreak in Texas and here in Arizona, some parts have even lower vaccination rates. The epicenter of the current measles outbreak is Gaines County,

Arizona hasn’t had any measles cases yet this year, but a local medical expert thinks “it’s just a matter of time” as vaccination rates decline.

The decline isn’t due to medical exemptions. they make up a tiny fraction of the exemptions allowed. More parents are opting out through personal belief exemptions, according to state health department data.

Tucson, Ariz. (KVOA) - Measles cases are spreading to 10 states across the country, Friday night, including Texas and New Mexico. According to the CDC, there are more than 160 cases confirmed across the country. The CDC confirms a child died in Texas this week from Measles, the first Measles death in the United States in 10 years.

Measles can cause seizures, blindness and death, and children under the age of 5 are particularly vulnerable to complications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnant women should wait to get the MMR vaccine until after they are no longer pregnant,

Some parts of Arizona have lower measles vaccination rates than the Texas measles outbreak epicenter.