US measles cases are up in 2024. What's driving the increase?
Measles outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad are raising health experts’ concern about the preventable, once-common childhood virus.
One of the world’s most contagious diseases, measles can lead to potentially serious complications. The best defense, according to experts? Get vaccinated.
Here’s what to know about the year — so far — in measles.
How many measles cases has the U.S. seen this year?
Nationwide, measles cases already are nearly double the total for all of last year.
The U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention documented 113 cases as of April 5. There have been seven outbreaks and most of U.S. cases — 73% — are linked to those flare-ups.
Still, the count is lower than some recent years: 2014 saw 667 cases and 2019 had 1,274.
Why is this a big deal?
The 2019 measles epidemic was the worst in almost three decades, and threatened the United States’ status as a country that has eliminated measles by stopping the continual spread of the measles virus.
Related articles
Insider Q&A: CIA's chief technologist's cautious embrace of generative AI
Knowledge advantage can save lives, win wars and avert disaster. At the Central Intelligence Agency,2024-05-21Lebanon says Israeli agents likely killed Hezbollah
BEIT MERI, Lebanon (AP) — Lebanon’s interior minister alleged Wednesday that the mysterious abductio2024-05-21US reimposes oil sanctions on Venezuela ahead of election
MIAMI (AP) — The Biden administration on Wednesday reimposed crushing oil sanctions on Venezuela, ad2024-05-21Kentucky spokeswoman: School is 'distressed' to hear of alleged sexual misconduct by ex
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky spokeswoman says the school is “distressed to hear disturbing alleg2024-05-21Ohio judge to rule Monday on whether the state’s abortion ban stands
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A county judge could rule as early as Monday on Ohio’s law banning virtually a2024-05-21South Carolina Republicans reject 2018 Democratic governor nominee's bid to be judge
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Republicans in the South Carolina General Assembly on Wednesday took the rare2024-05-21
atest comment