The highly contagious measles virus is making a comeback in the United States, with over 270 cases reported across 12 states. Despite no reported cases in Nevada as of Thursday morning, public health officials worry that the state may be vulnerable due to slipping vaccination rates.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 222 cases nationally as of March 7, with 285 cases in 32 states and the District of Columbia reported in 2024. The CDC has reduced its weekly updates on case counts, citing concerns over declining routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevada’s vaccination rate has dropped from 95% in the 2018/19 school year to 91.8% in the 2023/24 school year. Nationally, the rate fell from 94.7% to 92.7%. Experts attribute this decline to debunked rumors of connections between vaccinations and autism, as well as opposition to COVID-19 vaccines.
Herd immunity is at risk if vaccination rates do not remain above 95%. The measles vaccine became available in 1963 and provides lifelong protection for those who receive it. A two-dose series is administered between 12 and 15 months and 4-6 years old, with an effectiveness rate of 97%.
State health officials have taken proactive steps to protect public health during the outbreak, including enhanced surveillance, public education focused on vaccinations, and close collaboration with community, state, and federal partners. Exemptions from vaccination are available for medical conditions or religious beliefs, and conditional enrollment of unvaccinated children is allowed under certain circumstances.
Pregnant individuals, immunocompromised people, and other high-risk groups face severe complications from measles, highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.
Source: https://nevadacurrent.com/2025/03/13/no-measles-reported-yet-in-nevada-but-states-vaccination-rate-slipping