Baltimore, Maryland – Health officials in Maryland are facing a growing outbreak of measles cases, reflecting a concerning national trend. The United States and other parts of the world have seen a significant rise in measles cases, with a 79% global increase from 2022 to 2023. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 20 cases of measles in the U.S. as of February 15, 2024, compared to 58 cases in all of 2023. This projection suggests that the U.S. may experience a 175% increase in measles cases this year if the current trend continues.
Outbreaks have been identified in several states including Arizona, California, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as in New York City. While the majority of American kindergartners are vaccinated against measles, experts from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and leaders from the World Health Organization (WHO) are expressing deep concern about the escalated number of measles cases. National measles vaccination coverage among students is at 93%, but the most vulnerable communities are those with unvaccinated individuals. Dr. William Moss, Executive Director of the International Vaccine Access Center and professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, emphasized the importance of vaccination to prevent outbreaks in susceptible populations.
According to the WHO, the rise in measles cases is a global public health concern, with leaders emphasizing the need for comprehensive vaccination efforts to stem the spread of the disease. Despite efforts to encourage vaccination, the current surge in cases underscores the challenges in reaching vulnerable communities. Officials are urging the public to prioritize vaccination and to seek accurate information from trusted healthcare sources. The surge in measles cases serves as a reminder of the importance of public health measures and the need for widespread vaccination to protect communities from preventable diseases.