Measles Cases Surge to Record High in the US

Falling childhood vaccine coverage and a large outbreak in West Texas have led to a record number of measles cases in the US this year. There have been at least 1,277 confirmed cases, surpassing the previous record from 2019. Experts believe the actual number of cases is higher. Three deaths have been reported, matching the total number of US measles deaths in the past 25 years.

Measles was eliminated in the US in 2000, thanks to vaccines. However, this year's cases are mainly in Texas, with over 750 cases in one outbreak. If this trend continues, the US could lose its measles elimination status. Vaccination rates in affected areas are low.

Special vaccination clinics have been set up, leading to increased vaccination coverage. Early vaccination rates among infants have also risen. Despite efforts to contain the outbreak, cases have spread to multiple states, including Colorado, Canada, and Mexico.

The majority of cases are in unvaccinated individuals. The CDC recommends vaccination as measles is highly contagious. However, the US has fallen short of the vaccination threshold for four consecutive years.

Public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

According to the source: CNN.