The United States is experiencing a measles surge, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirming 4,852 cases this year, the highest total in 35 years. In the past week alone, 264 new cases were reported, marking the 12th consecutive week of triple-digit increases. The country is expected to lose its measles elimination status, which it has held since 2000. The CDC has documented 43 measles outbreaks across the nation, compared to 48 for all of last year. Approximately 96% of confirmed cases have involved unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
Pennsylvania remains the hardest-hit state with 1,426 cases, the largest state outbreak since the early 1990s, and has reported five confirmed measles deaths with a sixth under investigation. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Iowa, and Kentucky are also experiencing significant outbreaks. Hospitalization rates have climbed to 11% overall, with preschoolers accounting for the highest rate at 16%. Children and teens ages 5 to 19 represent 41% of all cases, while those under 5 represent 17%.
Source: Read the full story at CIDRAP
This summary was written with AI assistance from the linked source.
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