New York, NY – The United States is experiencing a resurgence of measles outbreaks, sparking concern among public health officials as vaccination rates among children remain low. According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of reported measles cases in 2024 has already surpassed those reported in the entire year of 2023.
Measles, a highly contagious airborne disease, poses serious health risks, especially for young and unvaccinated children. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a distinctive rash of red spots. The CDC reports that about 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals who contract measles will require hospitalization, with potential complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
The availability of a highly effective vaccine makes measles preventable. Experts recommend children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in two doses to ensure optimal protection. Despite the effectiveness of the vaccine, falling vaccination rates and increased travel have contributed to the recent surge in measles cases in the US.
Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, but imported cases, coupled with declining vaccination rates, have led to outbreaks in certain communities. The resurgence of measles puts the country’s elimination status at risk, particularly highlighted by outbreaks in underimmunized Orthodox Jewish communities in New York in 2019.
To maintain measles elimination status, the US requires a high level of vaccination coverage, ideally reaching a target rate of 95%. However, recent data shows a decline in vaccine coverage across 41 states since the 2019-20 school year, with only 13 states meeting the CDC’s coverage goal during the 2022-23 school year.
Ensuring widespread vaccination coverage is crucial in containing the spread of measles and preventing further outbreaks. With coverage rates varying widely by state and community, concerted efforts are needed to increase awareness about the importance of vaccination to protect public health.