U.S. measles outbreak grows with 60
new measles cases across 26 states
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[May 28, 2019]
(Reuters) - The United States recorded 60
new measles cases last week, taking confirmed cases for the year to 940,
the worst outbreak since 1994 and since measles was declared eliminated
in 2000, federal health officials said on Monday.
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 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 6.8%
increase in the number of measles cases in the week ended May 24 in
an outbreak that has now reached 26 states. The agency has been
providing weekly updates every Monday.
Experts warn that the outbreak is not over as the number of cases
edges closer to the 1994 total of 958. That was the highest number
since 1992, when the CDC recorded 2,126 cases.
Public health officials have blamed the measles resurgence on the
spread of misinformation about vaccines, as a vocal fringe of
parents oppose vaccines, believing, contrary to scientific studies,
that ingredients in them can cause autism.
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Although the virus was eliminated from the United States in 2000,
meaning the disease was no longer a constant presence, outbreaks
still happen via travelers coming from countries where measles is
still common, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
(Reporting by Shubham Kalia and Saumya Sibi Joseph in Bengaluru;
Editing by Phil Berlowitz)
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