Measles Cases in the US Surge to 25-Year High

Measles cases in the US have seen a significant surge in recent months, with at least 1563 cases recorded nationwide since January, marking the highest total in over two decades. The outbreaks, which have spread across several states, have resulted in significant concern among health officials, who have warned of the dangers of the highly contagious and potentially deadly disease. The CDC has reported an average of 27 new measles cases per week since the end of August, with a particularly concerning outbreak emerging in Ohio and sharp rises in cases reported in Minnesota.

Key Takeaways:

• The US has seen its highest measles case total in over two decades, with at least 1563 cases recorded since January.
• The current outbreak along the Arizona-Utah border is the third major measles outbreak in the US this year, with over 90 cases confirmed, including at least 59 in Arizona and 36 in Utah.
• Prior to this year, the US had seen only 10 significant measles outbreaks since measles was declared eliminated in 2000, defined by the CDC as involving more than 50 linked cases.
• A measles case reported in Greenville County, South Carolina's most populous county, is under investigation for a possible link to the Spartanburg outbreak, although the state health department has reported no known related cases elsewhere.
• More than 150 unvaccinated schoolchildren in South Carolina are quarantined amid the ongoing outbreak.

Statistics:

• At least 1563 measles cases have been recorded nationwide since January, marking the highest total in over two decades.
• An average of 27 new measles cases have been reported weekly since the end of August.
• Over 90 cases have been confirmed in the outbreak along the Arizona-Utah border, with at least 59 in Arizona and 36 in Utah.
• 10 significant measles outbreaks have been reported in the US since measles was declared eliminated in 2000.

Sources:

• Anadolu photo
• CNN report
• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)