The U.S. is experiencing a resurgence of measles, with 1,288 cases reported this year, marking the highest number of cases in 33 years, as per the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The last time the nation witnessed such a high number of cases was in 1992, eight years prior to the disease being declared eliminated in the country.
Caitlin Rivers, Director of the Center for Outbreak Response Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, emphasizes the seriousness of the situation.
“We’re seeing a lot more measles transmission than we are used to,” Rivers said.
She pointed out that measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to humans, and most importantly, it is preventable.
“We really hate to see this resurgence of a preventable virus,” Rivers added.
The outbreak in Texas has significantly contributed to the national case numbers, with the state alone reporting 753 cases since the beginning of the year.
Meanwhile, overall hospitalizations have reached 155 individuals across the U.S., and there have been three reported deaths.
Although the Texas outbreak is now showing signs of slowing down, Rivers notes that the country continues to experience more cases weekly compared to previous years.
The Texas measles outbreak began in January, causing considerable concern as the state recorded between 15 to 20 new cases per day at its peak.
This raised fears that the U.S. might lose its “elimination” status—a designation indicating that a disease has not had constant transmission for a 12-month period or longer.
Rivers indicates that the likelihood of losing this status has decreased, as Texas is now only reporting a small number of cases weekly.
However, Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatric infectious disease physician in New York City and author of “Booster Shots,” warns that the U.S. may still be in jeopardy of losing its measles elimination status, if not this year, then likely in the years to come.
Concerns regarding falling kindergarten vaccination rates, which have dropped to 92.7% nationwide, are pivotal in the discussion.
In certain communities, these vaccination rates are notably lower, creating vulnerable areas where measles can quickly spread.
The CDC emphasizes that a 95% vaccination rate is necessary to effectively shield communities from outbreaks.
Ratner attributes the increase in outbreaks to rising vaccine hesitancy, particularly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He stated, “What we’re seeing now is, as vaccine hesitancy has grown, those outbreaks are becoming more frequent and larger.”
The recent rise in measles cases coincides with a lawsuit filed against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by some leading medical organizations.
They allege he is undermining public trust in vaccines.
In response, Health and Human Services Department spokesperson Andrew Nixon affirmed that the CDC continues to advocate for MMR vaccines as the best method to prevent measles.
He mentioned, “The decision to vaccinate is a personal one,” and confirmed that the CDC is providing vaccines to communities facing outbreaks as needed.
Historically, before widespread vaccination made significant impacts, measles was a common childhood illness, resulting in 400 to 500 deaths annually.
In addition to fatalities, measles can lead to permanent disabilities and continues to be a significant cause of blindness worldwide.
Currently, Rivers reports that 1 in 8 measles cases in the U.S. have resulted in hospitalizations, highlighting the critical need for vaccinations and public health measures.
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