Measles Cases in the US Reach 33-Year High

Strategic Insights -

The US has reported 1,288 measles cases this year, marking the highest number of cases in 33 years. This resurgence is a setback for a country that had previously declared measles eliminated in 2000. The lack of vaccination is a significant contributing factor, with the vast majority of infected individuals not having received the measles vaccine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has reported 1,288 measles cases this year, the highest number in 33 years since 1992.
  • The measles vaccine is 97% effective in preventing the disease, but vaccination rates have been falling across the US.
  • Kindergarten vaccination rates against measles are currently at just under 93% nationally, but in some communities, they're much lower.
  • The largest measles outbreak in the US is in Texas, which had reported about 15-20 new cases a day at its peak, but has since slowed down.
  • Infectious disease experts worry that if vaccination rates continue to fall, the US may lose its measles elimination status.
  • Measles can be serious, with about 1 in 8 infected people ending up in the hospital and three deaths this year, including two unvaccinated children.

Statistics:

  • 1,288 measles cases reported in the US this year (as of latest available data from the CDC).
  • 97% effectiveness of the measles vaccine in preventing the disease (according to Dr. Caitlin Rivers).
  • 93% kindergarten vaccination rate against measles nationally (as of latest available data).
  • 3,000+ people died from measles in the US each year before the introduction of measles vaccines in the 1960s.
  • 1 in 8 infected people (about 125 cases) ended up in the hospital this year (based on reported data).

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Figure from the latest available data).
  • Caitlin Rivers, Director of the Center for Outbreak Response Innovation at Johns Hopkins (from the broadcast).
  • Adam Ratner, Pediatric Infectious Disease Doctor in New York City and author of "A History Of Measles" (from the broadcast).
  • Health and Human Services Department spokesperson Andrew Nixon (from a statement to NPR).