The United States has reported a significant surge in measles cases, reaching the highest number in over three decades, according to new federal data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday.
With 1,288 confirmed cases across 38 states so far this year, the figure starkly contrasts with the 285 cases recorded in the entire previous year.
This alarming increase marks the highest rate since 1992, surpassing the previous high of 1,274 cases reported in 2019.
Dr. Peter Hotez, a professor of pediatrics and molecular virology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, expressed grave concerns about the future trajectory of measles outbreaks in the U.S.
“I think this is unfortunately just the beginning,” Hotez said in an interview with ABC News.
He warned that the resurgence of childhood illnesses like measles could worsen, suggesting that the outbreaks may not be confined to the U.S. alone.
The CDC’s data indicates that the states affected by confirmed measles cases include a wide geographical spread, ranging from Alaska and Arizona to Florida and New York.
Among the confirmed cases nationally, a staggering 92% were found in unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status remains unclear.
Additionally, 4% of the cases occurred in individuals who had received only one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, while another 4% were among those who completed the required two doses.
In light of the outbreaks, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) affirmed its commitment to assist communities facing measles outbreaks, offering technical support, laboratory assistance, and vaccines upon request.
Despite the uptick in cases, HHS reassured the public that the overall risk of measles infection in the U.S. remains low, with a rate of less than 0.4 per 100,000 people, which is lower than that in several developed countries including Canada and the United Kingdom.
However, the risk is significantly higher in communities with lower vaccination rates, particularly in areas with active outbreaks.
The CDC documented at least 27 outbreaks this year, responsible for 88% of the confirmed cases, a rise compared to the 16 outbreaks noted in 2024.
Among the most severe outbreaks, Texas reported 753 cases since January, although the rate of transmission has slowed in recent weeks.
Tragically, two unvaccinated school-aged children have died due to measles in Texas, having no known underlying health conditions.
New Mexico also recorded a measles death involving an unvaccinated adult who tested positive for the virus after passing away.
The CDC recommends that all individuals receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose administered at 12 to 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
According to CDC data, one dose of the vaccine is 93% effective in preventing measles, while two doses increase efficacy to 97%.
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, a milestone attributed to the success of its vaccination program.
However, recent data reflect a worrying decline in vaccination rates, with the proportion of kindergarteners receiving the two-dose measles vaccination dropping from 95% in the 2019-2020 school year to just below 93% in the current 2023-2024 school year.
Currently, approximately 280,000 U.S. kindergarteners, or 7.3%, are not fully vaccinated against measles.
Herd immunity, a critical threshold where enough individuals in a community are immune to prevent the spread of disease, typically requires more than 95% vaccination coverage.
Dr. Hotez pointed out that while national and state vaccination rates may seem adequate, the county-level data reveals significant disparities.
“You have counties that are consistently below 90%, and that’s where you run into problems,” he said, emphasizing that these low rates lead to the loss of herd immunity.
In light of these developments, HHS reiterated that the CDC continues to endorse MMR vaccinations as the most effective method to protect against measles.
The spokesperson emphasized that the choice to vaccinate remains a personal decision, encouraging individuals to consult healthcare providers for accurate information on vaccine risks and benefits.
Dr. Hotez fears that if measles cases continue to rise, the U.S. stands at risk of losing its elimination status.
“Once you can demonstrate that there is sustained measles transmission for more than 12 months, then you lose that status,” he warned, recalling the epidemic that began in Texas.
Hotez concluded that the current measles epidemic could potentially extend for that full 12 months, raising the stakes for public health efforts across the nation.
image source from：abcnews
