U.S. Measles Cases in 2024 Surpass 2023 as Vaccination Rates Decline

A decline in measles vaccinations has contributed to a resurgence of cases, emphasizing the need for increased vaccination efforts.

The U.S. has seen a resurgence in measles cases in 2024, with 64 reported across 17 states, surpassing the total number of cases in 2023.
The decline in childhood measles vaccinations, from 95% in the 2019-2020 school year to 93.1% in the 2022-2023 school year, is identified as a key factor in the outbreak.
Measles is highly contagious, with an infected person potentially spreading it to 12 to 18 other individuals, making vaccination crucial for public health.
Most current outbreaks are linked to international travel and a significant number involve children who have not received the MMR vaccine.
Misinformation about migrants refusing vaccination in Chicago has been debunked, with local health officials emphasizing vaccination requirements for temporary housing.