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Measles Resurgence: What You Need to Know Now

Source: Measles is making a comeback: Can we stop it? (2025-11-21)

Despite decades of progress, measles is making a concerning comeback in the United States. Once nearly eradicated thanks to widespread vaccination, recent outbreaks have raised alarms among health officials. The resurgence is driven by vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and gaps in immunization coverage, especially in certain communities. Historically, before the 1960s vaccine, measles infected nearly every child, causing serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and permanent hearing loss. Today, the CDC reports over 1,200 cases in 2024 alone, marking a significant increase from previous years. Experts warn that if vaccination rates decline further, we risk losing the hard-won progress against this highly contagious disease. Recent facts highlight the urgency: - The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that global measles deaths decreased by 73% between 2000 and 2020, but outbreaks have surged in recent years due to COVID-19 disruptions. - In the U.S., measles vaccination coverage among children aged 19-35 months dropped below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity in several states during 2024. - The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is over 97% effective after two doses, yet vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier. - International travel has contributed to imported cases, with outbreaks linked to travelers from regions with low vaccination rates. - The CDC emphasizes that measles can be prevented entirely through vaccination, but outbreaks threaten to reverse decades of progress. The resurgence underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage, addressing misinformation, and ensuring equitable access to immunizations. Public health officials are urging communities to catch up on missed vaccines and to remain vigilant. As measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, preventing its spread is critical. The recent outbreaks serve as a stark reminder that infectious diseases can re-emerge if vigilance wanes. Strengthening vaccination programs, combating misinformation, and fostering community trust are essential steps to stop measles in its tracks. The fight against measles is ongoing, and collective action is vital to protect future generations from this preventable disease.

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