Measles resurgence in the United States

SOURCE npr.org
In 2024, over 80% of measles cases in the U.S. involved unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals, posing a renewed threat to the disease elimination status declared in 2000. The rise in cases is attributed to global increases in measles incidence, vaccine skepticism, and undervaccinated communities.

Key Points

  • Over 80% of 2024 measles cases in the U.S. involved unvaccinated individuals.
  • Measles cases have increased globally, with a rise in deaths.
  • Measles symptoms include fever, cough, and rashes, but can lead to severe complications like brain swelling and pneumonia.
  • Measles vaccination is recommended for all children and adults planning to travel abroad.

Pros

  • High population immunity in the U.S. reduces the chances of widespread measles transmission.
  • Measles is a preventable disease through vaccination.

Cons

  • Measles cases have more than doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year.
  • Global increases in measles cases and decreasing vaccination coverage pose a threat to disease elimination.