The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a concerning alert regarding the surge in U.S. measles cases in 2024. The CDC reported that from January 1 to March 14, there have been 58 confirmed cases of measles across 17 jurisdictions in the United States. This number has already matched the total cases reported in the entire year of 2023.
Of the 58 cases in 2024, 93% were linked to international travel, with several countries, including Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the United Kingdom, experiencing measles outbreaks. The CDC emphasized that most cases in the U.S. this year have been among children aged 12 months and older who have not received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Measles is described by the CDC as a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to severe health complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death, particularly in unvaccinated individuals. To prevent measles infection and reduce the risk of community transmission, the CDC advised all U.S. residents traveling internationally to ensure they are up to date on their MMR vaccinations.
Healthcare providers were also urged to confirm that children are current on routine immunizations, including the MMR vaccine. The alert follows a measles outbreak at an elementary school in Weston, Florida, in February, as well as CDC personnel being deployed to address a measles outbreak at a migrant detention center in Chicago.
The CDC reassured that due to high population immunity against measles in most U.S. communities, the risk of widespread transmission is currently low. However, areas with low vaccination coverage remain vulnerable to outbreaks, highlighting the importance of maintaining vaccination rates to protect public health.
