CDC Reports 1,249 Measles Cases in 2019
Nationwide, between January 1 and October 1, there were 1,249 reports of measles cases — the highest annual number since 1992, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Measles was declared “eliminated” in the U.S. in 2000, but outbreaks still occur. The CDC received reports of measles cases in 31 states this year.
However, 75% of those cases were linked to outbreaks in New York City and New York state, mostly among unvaccinated children in Orthodox Jewish communities. Those outbreaks appear to be over.
Overall, 10% of patients were hospitalized, 5% had pneumonia, and one patient developed encephalitis. No deaths have been reported.
Multiple outbreaks among Orthodox Jewish communities were reported in New York. The first outbreak began in New York City when a U.S. traveler was infected internationally. That person caused an outbreak that lasted 9.5 months and sickened 702 people.
The second outbreak in New York was caused by a foreign traveler to the U.S. who was infected with measles. That outbreak lasted 10.5 months and caused 412 illnesses.
Source: National Update on Measles Cases and Outbreaks — United States, January 1–October 1, 2019
