**US at Risk of Losing Measles Elimination Status Amid Surging Cases in Multiple States**
The United States is on the verge of losing its measles elimination status, as cases surge amid ongoing outbreaks in several states, including South Carolina, Utah, Arizona, and Texas. The situation is particularly dire in South Carolina, where hundreds are currently in quarantine due to the highly contagious virus.
Outbreaks of measles—a highly infectious, airborne disease—have also been recently reported in Texas, Utah, and Arizona. According to South Carolina’s health board, the state has recorded 20 new cases since Friday. North Carolina’s total for the year stands at 179, surpassing the national annual measles count for six of the last ten years.
Across the US, over 2,000 measles cases have been documented this year. This marks the highest number of cases since measles was first considered eliminated in the United States twenty-five years ago.
**What Does “Measles Elimination” Mean?**
A country’s elimination status for measles means the virus is not spreading consistently within its borders for at least one year. If the current outbreaks persist for another three weeks—which experts say is highly likely—the United States could lose its measles elimination status.
Last month, Canada lost its own measles elimination status, more than a year after the virus began spreading across North and South America. So far in 2024, Canada has reported 5,138 measles cases and two deaths—both babies exposed to the virus in the womb and born prematurely.
**Measles: More Than Just a Rash**
Measles often begins with a high fever before a telltale rash appears on the face and neck. While most people recover, measles remains one of the leading causes of death among young children, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Serious complications, such as blindness and brain swelling, are more likely to affect young children and adults over 30.
The disease is entirely preventable. A safe and routine vaccine has been used globally for decades. However, the CDC reports that 93% of this year’s US measles cases involve unvaccinated individuals or people with unknown vaccination status.
**Declining Vaccination Rates a Major Concern**
Most US children are required to get the measles vaccine to attend school. However, vaccination rates have fallen, as more parents have chosen to forgo immunization or have fallen behind on recommended vaccination schedules.
“It’s a deeply disheartening development. It’s a deeply worrisome development. And, frankly, it’s an embarrassing development,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, an infectious disease expert at Brown University, after Canada lost its measles elimination status. “No country with the amount of resources of Canada or other countries in North America even should lose their measles elimination status.”
**Current Outbreak Hotspots**
South Carolina’s State Epidemiologist, Dr. Linda Bell, noted at a Tuesday press briefing that measles continues to spread in households, schools, and churches across the state, with 287 people currently quarantined as a preventive measure. “We do anticipate more cases well into January,” Dr. Bell warned, adding: “We do believe that the holidays contributed to this.”
In Arizona and Utah, outbreaks have intensified since August—particularly in the border cities of Colorado City, AZ, and Hildale, UT. Meanwhile, a large outbreak that began in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma in January has sickened nearly 900 people, marking the worst year for measles in the United States in over three decades.
**Stay Informed and Protected**
As the US faces this public health challenge, experts emphasize the importance of timely vaccination to stop measles from regaining a foothold. If you or your family members are not up to date with measles vaccinations, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
For the latest updates and resources on measles and vaccination, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/verge-losing-measles-elimination-status-1591286
