The number of measles cases in the U.S. in 2024 is continuing to rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified 58 new measles cases so far this year, the same number on record for 2023.
Now, the CDC is urging parents to vaccinate children, particularly if they have plans to travel abroad. On March 18, the CDC published a health advisory recommending children older than 6 months who will travel internally receive the vaccine and that those older than 12 receive it regardless of travel plans.
Of the 58 reported measles cases in the country, 54 have been linked to international travel. “Many countries, including travel destinations such as Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the United Kingdom, are experiencing measles outbreaks,” the CDC reported.
As the highly contagious virus continues to spread, being familiar with measles rash images and other symptoms, along with vaccination and other precautions, can help keep you safe, too.
At least 17 states have reported cases of measles since the start of the year. Measles was previously eradicated more than 20 years ago in the U.S. But childhood vaccination rates are falling, and cases have been rising over the past several years.
In order to prevent measles outbreaks, at least 95% of the population must have received two doses of the vaccine. But two-thirds of U.S. states have not hit this mark, TODAY reported in a segment aired Feb. 22.
Globally, measles cases were up 79% in 2023 compared to the prior year, according to the World Health Organization. In a press conference on Feb. 20, WHO noted that by the end of 2024, more than half of countries would be at risk of a measles outbreak unless prevention measures are put in place.
“Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread quickly through the general public if people are not vaccinated,” Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, infectious diseases specialist and system medical director for quality and patient safety at Ochsner Health in New Orleans,…
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