U.S. measles cases hit highest level since early 1990s
More than 2,300 measles infections have been reported in the United States this year, the most since 1992, as vaccination coverage declines in many counties.
The United States has recorded over 2,300 measles cases so far in 2024, the highest annual total since 1992, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The surge follows large outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah, Virginia and Pennsylvania, and marks more cases in the past two years than in the preceding 24 years.
Public health officials note that measles requires about 95% immunity in a community to halt transmission, but only 28% of U.S. counties meet that threshold among kindergarten-age children. The decline in vaccination rates is linked to political polarization, misinformation and reduced confidence in health authorities.
Experts also point to a cultural factor: generations born after the 1990s have little personal experience with the disease, leading to complacency about immunization. One physician told Vox, "We’ve done too good of a job," highlighting how past success in eliminating measles may have lowered perceived risk.
Health officials continue to urge parents to follow the recommended measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine schedule to protect individuals and communities from further outbreaks.