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Diseases

Measles Cases in the US Reach 13-Year High, Surpassing 2019 Numbers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United States has seen a significant spike in measles cases, with 1,288 reported in the first six months of the year, the most since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. This surge has surpassed the total number of infections in 2019, which was 1,274, according to data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The cases have been reported in 38 states, with the highest numbers in Texas, New Mexico, and Kansas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of reported measles cases in the US has hit 1,288 in the first six months of the year, the most since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.
  • The figure has surpassed the total number of infections in 2019, which was 1,274, according to the CDC.
  • Cases have been reported in 38 states, with the highest numbers in Texas (753 cases), New Mexico (95 cases), and Kansas (87 cases).
  • There have been 27 separate outbreaks, with 88% of confirmed cases related to them.
  • Of the cases, 29% are among children under 5, while 36% are from those 5-19 years old, and 34% are from those 20 years and older.
  • 92% of cases are among those unvaccinated, while 4% got one measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) dose, and 4% got two.
  • Thirteen percent of those with measles were hospitalized, and there have been three deaths.
  • The CDC recommends MMR vaccines as the best way to protect against measles, citing the risk of measles infection being higher in US communities with low vaccination rates.
  • A study found that the vaccination rate decreased from 93.92% in the 2017-2018 school year to 91.26% in 2023-2024, below the threshold for herd immunity of 95%.

Statistics:

  • 1,288 reported measles cases in the first six months of the year.
  • 38 states have reported cases, with the highest numbers in Texas (753 cases), New Mexico (95 cases), and Kansas (87 cases).
  • 27 separate outbreaks, with 88% of confirmed cases related to them.
  • 92% of cases among the unvaccinated.
  • 29% of cases among children under 5.
  • 36% of cases from those 5-19 years old.
  • 34% of cases from those 20 years and older.
  • Thirteen percent of those with measles were hospitalized.
  • Three deaths reported.

Sources:

  • UPI (July 9) - "US measles cases reach 13-year high, surpassing 2019 numbers"
  • CBS News (statement by CDC) - "CDC: Measles risk is higher in US communities with low vaccination rates"
  • World Health Organization (no date) - "Measles vaccine: key facts"
  • CDC (no date) - "Measles: Fact Sheet"

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