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3w ago

U.S. Measles Cases Near 1,000, Threatening Elimination Status

Cook County confirms first two cases of 2025, with potential exposures at public locations and O'Hare Airport.

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An illustration provides a 3D graphical representation of a spherical-shaped, measles virus particle studded with glycoprotein tubercles in this handout image obtained by Reuters April 9, 2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Handout via REUTERS/ File Photo

Overview

  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 935 measles cases across 29 states, with 96% involving unvaccinated or unknown-status individuals.
  • Cook County health officials confirm two measles cases: one in a Chicago resident who traveled internationally through O’Hare Airport, and another in a suburban resident with unknown vaccination status.
  • Potential public exposure sites in Cook County include O’Hare Airport (April 22–23) and several local businesses between April 21–28.
  • Declining vaccination rates, misinformation, and increased travel are driving the resurgence, with MMR vaccine coverage among U.S. kindergarteners falling to 92.7% in 2023–2024.
  • Public health agencies are urging immediate vaccination to curb the outbreak and prevent the U.S. from losing its measles elimination status, achieved in 2000.