In a concerning development, the United States has seen a significant increase in measles cases, with the total soaring to 465 since the start of the year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This alarming rise marks a potential return to the worst epidemic levels of the disease in decades, with a staggering 78 new cases reported within just the past week.
Over 80% of the individuals infected are children under 19, many of whom have not received the recommended MMR vaccine. The current count is the highest since 2014, when 667 cases were documented. To put this in perspective, the last time the numbers were higher was in 1994, with 963 confirmed cases.
Recent Outbreaks
Recent outbreaks have been concentrated in certain regions, notably Oakland County, Michigan, which is grappling with a major outbreak. Other states such as California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Illinois have reported significant clusters. In New York, a prolonged outbreak has necessitated a state of emergency declaration. Earlier this year, Washington State experienced a severe outbreak, and additional cases have been confirmed this winter in states like Oregon, Hawaii, and Colorado.
In total, 17 outbreaks have been recorded in 2019, defined as any instance of three or more cases. Measles is known for its extreme contagiousness, capable of infecting up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals in close proximity to an infected person. The virus can linger in the air for hours, making it particularly dangerous.
The Role of Vaccination
While measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to widespread vaccination, the resurgence is linked to growing segments of the population that opt against immunization. Communities such as certain Orthodox Jewish groups and Somali immigrants have seen higher rates of unvaccinated children. Additionally, the anti-vaccine movement, which promotes unfounded fears surrounding immunization safety, has contributed to this troubling trend.
What Can Be Done?
To combat this outbreak, it is essential that families ensure everyone eligible for vaccination receives their shots. Awareness of local immunization policies and discussing the risks of anti-vaccine beliefs with friends can also play a crucial role in public health. For further information on vaccinations and health during pregnancy, you can visit this link. Additionally, if you’re interested in family planning, check out this post on home insemination kits at this link, as well as this blog for more pregnancy resources.
Conclusion
In summary, the recent surge in measles cases in the U.S. underscores the importance of vaccinations, particularly among children. With a significant portion of cases occurring in unvaccinated communities, it is crucial to address misinformation and promote public health measures to protect against this highly contagious virus.