Largest US Measles Outbreak in 25 Years

The number of measles cases in the United States is now the highest it has been in 25 years. On Monday the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced there have been 620 cases so far the year. However, today New York City health officials have released new numbers saying they have had more than 60 cases appear since late last week. These new numbers bring the number of cases this year to 681, making it the worst year for measles since 1994, when there were 958 cases.

Measles have been reported in 21 states so far, with six outbreaks in five different states… including Georgia. There have not been any cases reported in South Carolina or North Carolina.  

Most of the cases in the U.S. have happened in communities with low rates of vaccination. According to the CDC, most outbreaks happen when someone visits a country where there is an outbreak happening, then returns to the United States and comes in contact with someone who is not vaccinated. “Measles is preventable,” CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield M.D. says, “and we want to make sure everyone who can get vaccinated does.” The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should be protected against the measles before traveling internationally.  The CDC reminds parents with questions about the measles vaccine to talk to their child’s pediatrician.

According to the CDC, outbreaks in New York City and Rockland County, New York have been happening for almost eight months. The CDC believes if these outbreaks continue at the same pace through the summer and fall that the U.S. may lose its measles elimination status.

The United States eliminated the measles in 2000 with widespread use of the measles vaccine. Before it was eliminated, the CDC estimates about three to four million people got the measles every year. The World Health Organization (WHO) says measles is still common in many developing countries, specifically Africa and Asia. However, the WHO also says they estimate that more than 21 million deaths around the world were prevented between 2000 and 2017 because of the widespread use of the measles vaccine.

The symptoms for measles include a rash of red spots, high fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes. “These symptoms can turn into serious complications,” says Dr. Sujatha Reddy who is a medical expert, “People die of the measles because they can develop pneumonia, and you can get a brain infection.” If you have these symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately.