In 2024, the incidence of measles infections in the United States has surged to more than three times the rate observed in 2023, despite almost half the year still to go.
According to the updated statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released on Thursday, there have been 188 confirmed cases of measles in the U.S. this year.
This marks a notable rise from the previous year, when just 58 cases were recorded nationwide.
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An illustration shows the irritated skin of a measles patient. The infection typically causes visible spots and a rash. (iStock)
Approximately 65% of the cases this year are linked to outbreaks, which the CDC identifies as three or more related cases. In 2024, there have been 13 outbreaks reported in the U.S., compared to only 4 outbreaks in 2023, which accounted for 48% of national cases.
This year, around half of the cases required hospitalization for isolation or complications management.
The CDC reports that 85% of those infected this year were “unvaccinated or unknown,” while 10% had received one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, and 5% had received both doses.
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This image showcases a close-up of a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine dose along with the syringe. The vaccine is administered in two doses, first for children aged 12 to 15 months, followed by a second dose at 4 to 6 years old. (iStock)
Healthcare experts emphasize that the likelihood of contracting measles is extremely low for those who are vaccinated.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne illness that can lead to severe complications and even mortality, particularly in children. Symptoms include a high fever (up to 105°F), malaise, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis, followed by spots and a rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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A general view of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters located in Atlanta, Georgia. (REUTERS/Tami Chappell/File Photo)
Although the rate of infections has drastically increased, it still falls short of the 2019 figures, which reported nearly 1,300 cases of measles in the United States over a single year.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Michael Dorgan.
