CDC Says US Measles ‘Elimination Status’ Threatened, Promotes Vaccines

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday said that the recent increase in measles cases across the country may pose a threat to the United States’ “elimination status,” saying that “enhanced efforts” are needed to target vaccination coverage. So far, 113 cases of measles have been reported across the United States, according to the latest data from the CDC. In several instances, there have been local alerts sent out about individuals with a confirmed case of measles potentially exposing hundreds of people, including an instances where an “international traveler” triggered alerts at two Washington-area airports. “During January 1, 2020–March 28, 2024, a total of 338 U.S. measles cases were reported; 29 percent of these cases occurred during the first quarter of 2024, almost all in persons who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown,” the agency said. “As of the end of 2023, U.S. measles elimination status was maintained.”...