US Measles Outbreak Threatens Elimination Status, CDC Warns

The rapid increase in measles cases in early 2024 raises concerns over the U.S. maintaining its measles elimination status, achieved in 2000.

Measles cases in the U.S. have surged significantly in the first quarter of 2024, with a reported 113 cases, which is over 17 times the average of previous years.
Most of the new cases are linked to unvaccinated individuals and have been traced back to international travel, particularly from regions with ongoing measles transmission.
The CDC emphasizes the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates, as current coverage among kindergarteners has slipped below the 95% threshold necessary to prevent outbreaks.
Outbreaks have been reported in multiple states, including significant clusters in places like Chicago, attributed to undervaccinated communities.
Health experts warn that the decrease in routine childhood vaccinations, influenced by recent vaccine hesitancy, poses a significant risk to public health.