The US is experiencing a surge in measles cases, with over 1,300 confirmed cases reported across 39 states. This represents the highest nationwide figure since 1992 and is more than four-and-a-half times higher than the estimated 285 cases reported last year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two children and one adult have died from measles this year, marking the first deaths from the virus in a decade. The CDC reports that nearly all of this year’s cases are among those who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Measles was declared eliminated from the US in 2000 due to a highly effective vaccination program. However, childhood vaccination rates have been declining in recent years, with only about 7.3% of kindergarteners receiving state-required vaccinations. This leaves around 280,000 U.S. kindergarteners without protection from the virus.
The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, with the first dose given at 12 to 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. A booster shot is not typically recommended for adults who already have immunity from the virus through vaccination or prior infection.
The high number of measles cases this year highlights the importance of maintaining herd immunity through vaccination. With nearly all children able to receive protection against measles, the risk of outbreaks and transmission can be significantly reduced.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/measles-cases-us-45-times-higher-year/story?id=124036433