America loses measles-free status after 26 years of elimination
Measles has spread unchecked in the US for more than 12 months, causing at least 10 deaths and about 7,500 infections.
Reported by Al JazeeraAlso reported by The Canberra Times.Claims checked against the source, 9 h ago.
ShareWhy it matters
The return of measles in the world's wealthiest nation signals a major public health reversal driven by vaccine hesitancy.
In Australia. Australia's strong vaccination rates keep measles controlled here, but the outbreak shows how quickly vaccine confidence loss can undo decades of disease control progress.
Key facts
- 26
- Years measles-free
- About 7,500
- Infections this year
- At least 10
- Deaths
- 95.2% to 92.4%
- Vaccination rate drop
- The United States has lost its measles-free status 26 years after the disease was officially eliminated in 2000.
- This year brought about 7,500 cases, the highest number in more than 30 years, with at least 10 deaths across Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and New York.
- The Pan American Health Organization revoked the status after determining continuous measles transmission for more than 12 months.
- Vaccination rates among kindergarteners have dropped from 95.2 percent in 2019-2020 to 92.4 percent now.
- Robert F Kennedy Jr has publicly spread vaccine doubts without scientific backing.
