What is causing the rise in measles cases in 2024?

The resurgence of measles outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad has health experts on high alert. With nearly double the number of cases compared to last year, the U.S. has already documented 113 cases as of April 5, with seven outbreaks reported. While the current count is lower than in previous years, the threat of measles remains a concern.

The 2019 measles epidemic was the worst in almost three decades, jeopardizing the U.S.’s status as a country that had eliminated measles. The disease, highly contagious and potentially serious, is still prevalent in many parts of the world, with unvaccinated travelers bringing the virus back to the U.S.

Measles spreads easily through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, making it a significant public health risk. Before the vaccine was available in 1963, millions of cases were reported annually, leading to hospitalizations, brain inflammation, and fatalities.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, but vaccination rates have dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic. It takes a high vaccination rate of 95% to prevent measles from spreading, yet national rates for kindergartners have fallen to 93%.

With the importance of vaccination highlighted by the resurgence of measles, health officials stress the need for increased awareness and action to prevent further outbreaks and protect public health.