Recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate a concerning rise in measles cases across the United States, with the total reaching 465 since the beginning of the year. Alarmingly, this figure includes a significant number of children, as over 80 percent of those infected are under the age of 19. In just the past week, 78 new cases were confirmed nationwide, marking a drastic increase from the previous count of 387.
This surge is the highest number of measles cases since 2014, which saw 667 infections. The record for cases in a single year dates back to 1994, when 963 cases were documented. Currently, outbreaks are primarily concentrated in areas such as Oakland County, Michigan, and clusters have also emerged in California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Additionally, states like Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, and Arizona have reported cases this spring, while New York continues to grapple with a prolonged outbreak that led to a declared state of emergency in March.
Earlier this year, Washington State experienced a substantial outbreak, with other states like Oregon, Hawaii, Colorado, Kentucky, Connecticut, and Texas also reporting infections. In total, there have been 17 outbreaks in 2019, with an outbreak defined as any instance of three or more confirmed cases.
Measles is a highly contagious virus, capable of spreading rapidly among unvaccinated individuals. An infected person can transmit the virus to 90 percent of those around them who have not been immunized. The disease can linger in the air for hours after an infected person has left a room, making it particularly dangerous. In the past, most cases in the U.S. were linked to travelers who contracted the illness abroad before returning home.
Although measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to effective vaccination campaigns, the rise in unvaccinated populations has diminished herd immunity. When approximately 95 percent of the population is vaccinated, it helps shield those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons from outbreaks.
The recent uptick in measles cases can be attributed to several factors, particularly in communities with lower vaccination rates. Some outbreaks have been identified in Orthodox Jewish and Somali immigrant communities, while the growing anti-vaccine movement, which promotes unfounded fears about vaccine safety, plays a significant role as well. This movement often spreads misinformation through social media and online forums, leading many to refuse vaccines despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting their safety and efficacy.
To combat the ongoing outbreaks, it is crucial for families to ensure that every eligible member receives vaccinations. Additionally, it’s important to understand local immunization exemption policies and engage in conversations with friends and family about the critical importance of vaccines in protecting public health.
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In summary, the U.S. is facing a troubling resurgence of measles cases, predominantly affecting children due to lower vaccination rates in certain communities. As we continue to navigate these outbreaks, ensuring that vaccinations are up to date is critical for public health.
Keyphrase: U.S. measles outbreak 2019
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