Parents are holding measles parties in the U.S., alarming health experts – National [Video]

As measles cases continue to rise in Texas where a child recently died, health officials are warning against so-called “measles parties,” calling the practice “foolishness” and dangerous.

The messaging follows an ongoing outbreak in West Texas, where 146 cases have been reported since late January. Cases have now reached New Mexico, health officials said. An unvaccinated school-aged child in the region has also died amid the surge.

Cases are also on the rise in Canada, with British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec bearing the brunt of the outbreak.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, spreading through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. It primarily affects children, which is why health officials are warning against “measles parties.”

These parties are an attempt by parents to intentionally expose their children to someone infected with measles to build natural immunity. The idea is similar to “chickenpox parties” that were …