Measles

CDC: Measles Cases Increase to 940

As of May 24, a total of 940 cases of measles have been reported in 26 states this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Jurisdictions in New York, Michigan, California, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington are all currently facing outbreaks—defined as 3 or more cases of the virus. Other states including Arizona, Connecticut, and New Jersey, among others, have also reported cases of measles.

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The current measles outbreak is the largest one to hit the United States since 1994 and since measles was declared eradicated in the United States in 2000, the CDC reported.

The top risk factors for contracting measles include:

  • Being unvaccinated, especially in communities where many people are unvaccinated.
  • Traveling to other parts of the world where measles is still common.
     

The CDC continues to stress the importance of vaccination against measles, especially among young children and travelers.

—Christina Vogt

Reference:
Measles cases and outbreaks. Measles (Rubeola). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html. Page last reviewed May 27, 2019. Accessed May 28, 2019.