BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

CDC: Measles Cases Have Now Hit a More Than 25-Year High

If this increase continues, it could put the US at risk of losing its elimination status.
save article
profile picture of Stephanie Grassullo
By Stephanie Grassullo, Contributing Writer
Published May 31, 2019
new york city's empire state building covered by dots that resemble measles rash

As of May 30, there have been 971 reported measles cases in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks the greatest number of reported cases since 1993, when there were 963 cases.

Measles has been spreading rapidly in several regions in the US, but areas hit the hardest over the course of the last eight months include New York City and Rockland County in New York. Last month, NYC declared a public health emergency, and ordered mandatory measles vaccinations. If these outbreaks continue through the summer and fall, the US may lose its elimination status. The measles elimination goal was first announced in 1966 and accomplished in 2000. Prior to the widespread use of the measles vaccine, about 3 to 4 million people in the US got measles every year, accounting for 400 to 500 deaths and 48,000 hospitalizations, the CDC says.

A large part of the issue is the anti-vax movement, which the World Health Organization (WHO) named a global health threat for 2019. Measles has seen a 30 percent increase globally, and some countries that were close to eradicating the disease, like the US, have seen a comeback in recent years, according to WHO.

“Measles is preventable, and the way to end this outbreak is to ensure that all children and adults who can get vaccinated, do get vaccinated,” says Robert Redfield, MD, CDC Director. “Again, I want to reassure parents that vaccines are safe, they do not cause autism. The greater danger is the disease the vaccination prevents. Your decision to vaccinate will protect your family’s health and your community’s well-being.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

doctor listening to 1 month old baby's heart
What to Expect at Baby’s One Month Checkup
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
doctor giving a baby a vaccine
The AAP Recommends New RSV Shot for Babies and Calls for Equal Access
By Wyndi Kappes
doctor examining one year old baby during 12 month check up
What to Expect at Baby’s 12-Month Checkup
By Anisa Arsenault
ADVERTISEMENT
doctor giving baby a vaccine
FDA Approves COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids 6 Months and Up
By Wyndi Kappes
close up of doctor putting band aid on baby's leg after flu shot
Should Babies Get the Flu Shot? Here’s What to Know
By Lexi Dwyer
Celebrity Alyssa Milano pictured with children during UNICEF volunteer trip to Kosovo.
Alyssa Milano on Parenting, the Pandemic and Working With UNICEF USA
By Lauren Kay
baby being examined by doctor with stethescope
Tool: Vaccine Planner
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
nervous woman stands by window
Study Shows Many Parents Still Don’t Trust Routine Childhood Vaccines
By Nehal Aggarwal
mom holding her baby after it had a vaccine
New Technique Makes Vaccines Safe in Warmer Temperatures, Study Finds
By Nehal Aggarwal
city of boston historic buildings
These Are the Best and Worst States for Vaccination Rates, Report Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
sad teddy bear looking out rainy window
Measles Virus Completely Wipes Out Your Immune System, Studies Find
By Nehal Aggarwal
phone screen that shows mock up of vaccine pop up
Facebook and Instagram Debut New Strategy to Combat Vaccine Myths
By Laurie Ulster
two women having serious conversation
How to Talk About Vaccines Without Starting a Fight
By Stephanie Grassullo
ADVERTISEMENT
bar graph showing growth
Report: These Places in the US Have the Highest Risk of a Measles Outbreak
By Stephanie Grassullo
woman's hand holding her phone, which shows instagram icon and a vaccine
Instagram Doubles Down Efforts to Stop the Spread of Misinformation on Vaccines
By Stephanie Grassullo
Q&A: Modified Immunization Schedule?
Q&A: Modified Immunization Schedule?
By Dr. Cheryl Wu
Little boy with bandaid on arm looking at camera
NYC Declares Public Health Emergency, Orders Mandatory Measles Vaccinations
By Stephanie Grassullo
ADVERTISEMENT
young school children sitting with their arms around each other
Italy Will Now Ban Unvaccinated Kids From School
By Stephanie Grassullo
medical researcher performing tests in a lab
Massive New Study Once Again Proves No Link Between Vaccines and Autism
By Stephanie Grassullo
upset mom scrolls through phone while holding her baby
Social Media Sites Crack Down on Misinformation From Anti-Vax Ads
By Stephanie Grassullo
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.