Measles Cases in the U.S. Hit a Decades-High, Experts Warn of Worsening Outbreaks

Strategic Insights -

Public health officials are sounding the alarm as the U.S. grapples with its worst year for measles cases in over three decades, with the national case count reaching 1,288. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a 14-case increase from 2019, experts warn that the true figure may be higher due to underreporting. The CDC attributes the surge in cases to ongoing outbreaks in 14 states, primarily in undervaccinated communities, including West Texas, where three people have died and dozens have been hospitalized.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. is experiencing its worst year for measles cases in more than three decades, with 1,288 reported cases as of Wednesday.
  • Public health experts estimate the true number of cases may be higher due to underreporting.
  • The CDC attributes the surge in cases to ongoing outbreaks in 14 states, with 14 states currently experiencing active outbreaks.
  • Measles has been eliminated from the U.S. only once, in 2000, but the World Health Organization and CDC have stated that the virus is once again spreading in the region.
  • A recent study found childhood vaccination rates against measles fell after the COVID-19 pandemic, including in states currently experiencing outbreaks.
  • Only 92% of kindergarteners in the U.S. received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the 2023-2024 school year, below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.
  • Public health officials and primary care providers are concerned about vaccine hesitancy and the lack of investment in local public health departments' vaccination programs.
  • Experts warn that the measles outbreak is indicative of a broader problem with vaccination attitudes in the country and may worsen.

Sources:

  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • World Health Organization
  • CDC study on childhood vaccination rates
  • Lauren Gardner, leader of Johns Hopkins University's independent measles and COVID-19 tracking databases
  • AP videojournalist Laura Bargfeld