Measles cases have topped 90 in the US for the first time in years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The surge in cases is attributed to people returning from international trips with measles and an expanding outbreak among communities with low vaccination coverage.
As of Friday, a total of at least 712 measles cases have been confirmed this year, surpassing the second-highest number of cases reported in a single year since the 1990s. The CDC has identified seven local outbreaks of the virus in the US, with Texas and New Mexico being the epicenter, accounting for nearly 600 cases.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described his strategy as a success, despite three deaths linked to the outbreak. However, CDC officials warn that any apparent slowdown in recent measles cases should be treated with caution due to reporting delays.
The CDC has advised travelers to Texas and Kansas to get a second or early dose of the measles vaccine, marking the first time domestic travel within the country is being recommended for vaccination. The agency attributed the increase in cases to international travel and communities with low vaccination coverage.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/measles-cases-weekly-top-90-first-time-years-cdc