Measles cases have surged to 1,046 in the United States, with confirmed infections reported in 30 states. This marks the second-highest case count in 25 years, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Cases have been identified in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
Hospitalizations have been reported for 12% of measles patients in the US, mostly under the age of 19. The majority of cases are among unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals, with 96% of all cases falling into this category.
At least three deaths have been confirmed, all among unvaccinated individuals. A recent traveler who was infected with measles at Denver International Airport and potentially exposed others has also been identified.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for optimal protection against measles. Experts warn that declining vaccination rates are leading to increased outbreaks, as a 95% immunity rate is necessary to stop an outbreak. Misinformation surrounding the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness is also a concern.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/measles-cases-reach-1046-us-infections-confirmed-30/story?id=122108194