The United States recorded over 1600 measles cases across 40 jurisdictions this year. Health officials blame falling vaccination rates for this massive surge in dangerous infections nationwide.
Tracking the massive measles surge across forty American states
US News and World Report tracked 1600 cases and 17 outbreaks this year. Over 40 jurisdictions reported measles infections to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
South Carolina reported the largest number of cases, with over 600 infections total. Utah officials recorded 378 infections during an ongoing outbreak since last summer. New York and Florida also confirmed large numbers of these highly contagious virus cases.
The country now faces the risk of losing its official measles elimination status soon. Federal health authorities will examine the US measles status in November of this year. The virus was no longer spreading continuously for over one year starting in 2000.
Falling vaccination rates drive the worst outbreak in several decades
Vaccination coverage for the shot dropped very significantly among local children in recent years. National rates fell from 95% to 92% during the last school year.
Nearly 92% of current cases occurred in people who never received the vaccine. This highly contagious virus spreads to 9 out of 10 unprotected people nearby quickly. Parents are choosing vaccination exemptions more often than they did during the last decade.
Just a 1% decrease in childhood vaccinations causes 17,000 new measles cases. A recent report from the Common Health Coalition warned of 4000 new hospitalizations. Health experts say that 36 preventable deaths could occur each year due to exemptions.
Symptoms and severe risks for vulnerable children and patients
Common symptoms include high fever and a distinctive rash after exposure to the virus. Patients also suffer from coughs and red eyes within two weeks of initial contact.
Young children and people with weak health face the highest risk of death now. Severe complications include pneumonia and brain swelling for those who lack any medical protection. Most people recover from measles, but the virus remains very dangerous for many others.
As reported by US News and World Report, Dr. Dave Chokshi issued a statement. “Vaccination is one of the most powerful investments we can make for our children.” The doctor warned that everyone pays the price when these vaccination rates drop low.
By Prabhat Dwivedi
