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US Measles Cases Surge, Elimination Status at Risk
21 Jul
Summary
- Over 2,260 measles cases confirmed in 44 US states and DC.
- Vaccine hesitancy cited as cause for recent measles spikes.
- US faces losing measles elimination status held since 2000.
The United States is confronting a dramatic increase in measles cases, with the total number of confirmed infections expected to exceed last year's figures before the end of July. Currently, there are 2,260 confirmed cases reported across 44 states and the District of Columbia. This surge places the U.S. in jeopardy of losing its measles elimination status, which has been maintained since 2000, signifying the absence of continuous transmission for over a year.
Vaccine hesitancy among parents is a primary driver behind the resurgence of this highly contagious disease. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, offering 97 percent protection. Outbreaks have been most prominent in South Carolina, Utah, and Texas, states with vaccination coverage below the 95 percent threshold needed for community immunity. A formal assessment in November will determine if the elimination status has been lost.
