What's happened
South Carolina reports 124 new measles cases since Tuesday, totaling 558, amid a nationwide surge. Outbreaks also persist in Arizona and Utah, with declining vaccination rates raising concerns about herd immunity and potential for further spread. Last year was the worst for measles since 1991, with 2,144 cases across 44 states.
What's behind the headline?
The resurgence of measles in the US highlights the fragility of herd immunity, which requires vaccination rates above 95%. The outbreaks in South Carolina and the Arizona-Utah border demonstrate how localized declines in vaccination can trigger wider national risks. The fact that last year saw the highest number of cases since 1991 underscores the impact of vaccine hesitancy and exemptions. The virus's airborne nature makes containment difficult, especially in communities with low immunization. This situation will likely worsen unless vaccination rates are urgently increased, and public health campaigns are intensified. The outbreaks also expose vulnerabilities in the US healthcare system's ability to prevent and respond to preventable diseases, risking a return to pre-elimination levels of measles transmission.
What the papers say
The AP News and The Independent both report on the recent surge, emphasizing the rapid growth of cases in South Carolina and the ongoing outbreaks in Arizona and Utah. AP News notes the 124 new cases in South Carolina since Tuesday, bringing the total to 558, with the outbreak centered in Spartanburg County. The Independent highlights the growth of the Arizona-Utah border outbreak, with 418 cases since August, and warns that the true number may be undercounted. Both sources agree that declining vaccination rates and exemptions are key drivers of the resurgence, with experts warning that the outbreaks could soon rival last year's Texas outbreak of 762 cases. The CDC's data on 2,144 cases nationwide and three deaths, all unvaccinated, is cited across both reports, illustrating the severity of the current situation.
How we got here
Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000 due to high vaccination coverage. However, recent declines in vaccination rates, pandemic-related disruptions, and increased exemptions have led to a resurgence. The current outbreaks are concentrated in specific regions, notably South Carolina, Arizona, and Utah, with the virus spreading rapidly through unvaccinated populations.
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Common question
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How Bad Is the Measles Outbreak in the US Now?
Recent measles outbreaks across the US have raised concerns about public health and vaccination rates. With over 2,100 cases last year—the worst since 1991—many are wondering just how serious the current situation is and what can be done to stay safe. Below, we answer common questions about the outbreak, why cases are rising, and how to protect yourself and your community.
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Why Are Measles Cases Rising in the US Now?
Recent reports show a worrying surge in measles cases across the US, especially in South Carolina, Arizona, and Utah. This increase raises questions about what's causing the outbreak, how vaccination rates are impacting the spread, and what the government is doing about it. If you're wondering why measles is making a comeback and what it means for public health, you're in the right place. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this concerning trend.
More on these topics
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South Carolina is a state in the Southeastern United States and the easternmost of the Deep South. It is bordered to the north by North Carolina, to the southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the southwest by Georgia across the Savannah River.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a national public health institute in the United States. It is a United States federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Arizona is a state in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the Western and the Mountain states. It is the 6th largest and the 14th most populous of the 50 states. Its capital and largest city is Phoenix.
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Utah is a state in the western United States. It is bordered by Colorado to the east, Wyoming to the northeast, Idaho to the north, Arizona to the south, and Nevada to the west. It also touches a corner of New Mexico in the southeast.
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Measles (probably from Middle Dutch or Middle High German masel(e), meaning "blemish, blood blister") is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable infectious disease caused by measles virus. Other names include morbilli, rubeola, 9-day measles, red measles