The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a concerning alert to public health officials regarding the rising number of measles cases in the United States in 2024. According to the CDC, the number of confirmed measles cases from January 1 to March 14 has already matched the entire year of 2023, with 58 cases reported across 17 jurisdictions.

A staggering 93% of the cases reported in 2024 have been linked to international travel to countries experiencing measles outbreaks such as Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the United Kingdom. Most of the cases in the U.S. this year have been among children aged 12 months and older who have not yet received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Measles is described by the CDC as a highly contagious viral illness that can cause severe health complications and even death, especially in unvaccinated individuals. The CDC emphasizes the importance of all U.S. residents traveling internationally to be up to date on their MMR vaccinations to prevent measles infection and reduce the risk of community transmission.

Recent outbreaks of measles, including one in a migrant detention center in Chicago and another in an elementary school in Weston, Florida, have prompted the CDC to take action. While the risk of widescale spread of measles is low in most U.S. communities due to high population immunity, pockets of low coverage leave some communities at higher risk for outbreaks.

In response to the rising number of measles cases, the CDC has deployed a response team to help combat the outbreaks and educate the public on the importance of vaccination. It is crucial for individuals to ensure they are vaccinated against measles to protect themselves and prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.