August 28, 2023- In the U.S., there have been 19 cases of the highly infectious measles virus this year. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 through a successful vaccine program, yet it persists globally.
People can bring it to the U.S. if they’re not vaccinated and get infected when they travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists India as the top country for measles outbreaks, with more than 57,500 reported cases. The CDC says travelers should seek medical care if they develop symptoms of measles, including a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose or red, watery eyes.
Children under the age of 5, adults over 20, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to have complications from infection. Two MMR vaccine doses are 97% effective against measles, while one is about 93% effective.
Before the 1963 measles vaccination program, around 3 to 4 million people got measles every year in the U.S., according to the CDC.