The United States has recorded 1,618 measles cases and three deaths so far this year — the highest number of infections since 1992, according to data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Of the total, 1,595 cases were reported from 42 states, while 23 involved international visitors. The last time the country saw such a high number was in 1992, when 2,126 cases were reported.
The CDC said that 198 patients — about 12 per cent of the total — required hospitalisation, including 95 children under the age of five. Three people have died due to the infection.
Nearly 92 per cent of the cases occurred among those who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. Health experts said the sharp resurgence underscores the need for strong vaccination coverage across communities.
Measles, one of the most contagious viral diseases, spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact. It typically causes high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, and a widespread rash.
The CDC noted that vaccination remains the most effective protection. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, outbreaks occurred every two to three years, leading to around 2.6 million deaths annually.
Globally, measles continues to claim lives despite vaccination efforts. In 2023, an estimated 107,500 people — mostly children under five — died of the disease, according to the World Health Organization.
IANS