In 2024, the United States is facing a concerning uptick in measles cases, prompting health experts to sound the alarm about this preventable but highly contagious disease. The resurgence of measles, both in the US and globally, has raised concerns among health officials, highlighting the importance of vaccination in controlling its spread.
As of April 5, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had documented 113 measles cases nationwide, nearly double the total for all of last year. Seven outbreaks have been reported, with 73% of US cases linked to these flare-ups. Although the current count is lower than in some recent years, such as 2014 (667 cases) and 2019 (1,274 cases), health officials are closely monitoring the situation.
The 2019 measles epidemic was the worst in almost three decades, posing a significant threat to the country’s elimination status. The CDC’s recent report on measles case trends revealed that cases in the first three months of 2024 were 17 times higher than the average for the same period in the previous three years. This rapid increase in reported cases represents a renewed threat to elimination efforts, according to the report.
Measles remains common in many parts of the world, and the US often sees cases imported by unvaccinated travelers. Recent importations have primarily involved unvaccinated Americans who contracted the virus in regions such as the Middle East and Africa. These cases underscore the importance of vaccination, not only for individual protection but also for preventing the reintroduction of measles into communities.
Health officials have confirmed measles cases in 17 states so far this year, including major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The Chicago outbreak, which accounts for more than half of this year’s cases, has affected 61 individuals, primarily those living in a migrant shelter. However, the city health department has reported a decline in cases following the administration of 14,000 vaccines in just over a month.
Measles is highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. Up to 9 out of 10 susceptible individuals exposed to the virus may become infected. Before the measles vaccine became available in 1963, the US experienced 3-4 million cases annually, with 400-500 deaths and 48,000 hospitalizations per year.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, requiring a high vaccination rate of 95% to prevent the spread of measles. However, national vaccination rates for kindergartners fell to 93% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many areas having even lower rates due to waivers. This drop in vaccination rates has contributed to the current resurgence of measles cases in the US.