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Measles

Measles Cases in US Triple Last Year's Total in First 7 Months of 2024

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As of July 2024, the number of measles cases reported in the US has already surpassed last year's total, with 188 confirmed cases in 26 states and Washington, DC, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks the highest number of cases since 2019, when the country nearly lost its measles elimination status. The surge in cases has raised concerns among health experts, who point to vaccination rates and international travel as contributing factors.

Key Takeaways:

  • A total of 188 measles cases have been confirmed in 26 states and Washington, DC, as of July 2024, triple the number of cases reported in 2023 (58).
  • The majority of cases (93 people) have been hospitalized, with most being children under the age of 5.
  • Around 85% of those who got measles this year were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.
  • The largest measles outbreak this year was linked to a migrant shelter in Chicago, which spawned over 60 cases.
  • The CDC's modeling suggests that the current outbreak is not likely to worsen, but experts still warn of potential epidemic scenarios.
  • The recommended vaccination threshold to prevent measles outbreaks is 95%, but only 93% of US kindergartners had received two doses of the MMR vaccine for the 2022-23 school year, down from 95% in 2019-20.
  • 12 states and Washington, DC, had vaccination rates below 90% for the 2022-23 school year.
  • The World Health Organization reported an 18% increase in measles cases and a 43% increase in measles deaths worldwide from 2021 to 2022.

Statistics:

  • 188 measles cases have been confirmed in the US thus far in 2024.
  • 93 people have been hospitalized as a result of measles.
  • 85% of those who got measles this year were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.
  • 26 states and Washington, DC, have reported measles cases.
  • The largest measles outbreak this year was linked to a migrant shelter in Chicago, with over 60 cases.

Sources:

  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health update, July 26, 2024
  • NBC News

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