A Grim Measles Milestone
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TL;DR
- The US has had 1,958 confirmed measles cases as of December 16, the highest in over 30 years.
- Spartanburg County, South Carolina, is experiencing a significant outbreak with 144 infections and 224 people in quarantine.
- Most cases in Spartanburg are among unvaccinated individuals, predominantly those aged 5-17.
- Communities with concentrations of unvaccinated or undervaccinated individuals are hotspots for outbreaks.
- The US risks losing its measles elimination status, achieved 25 years ago, due to ongoing transmission.
- A modeling study suggests a significant increase in measles cases over the next 25 years if current vaccination rates hold, but a substantial decrease if rates increase by 5%.
- Vaccination is emphasized as the most effective way to prevent measles, with the MMR vaccine being 97% effective.
- Canada recently lost its measles elimination status, reporting 5,000 cases this year.