The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a public health alert after measles cases surged in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Health officials have confirmed over 200 cases since March, the highest regional count in a decade.
Vaccination rates in several affected counties have fallen below the 95 percent threshold needed for herd immunity. The CDC is deploying rapid response teams and mobile vaccination units to affected communities.
Parents are urged to verify their children's immunization records and consult with pediatricians about catch-up vaccination schedules.
