Declining vaccination rates in the United States are significantly contributing to a resurgence of measles cases, with only 93% of kindergartners receiving the two doses of the MMR vaccine for the 2022-23 school year.

Vaccine hesitancy, exacerbated by misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, has played a crucial role in the decline of vaccination rates and the subsequent rise in measles cases.

As of July 2024, the U.S. has reported 188 confirmed measles cases across 26 states and Washington, D.C., already tripling the total for the entire year of 2023.

This year's measles case count is the highest since 2019, which saw over 1,200 cases primarily linked to outbreaks in Orthodox Jewish communities in New York.

Thirteen measles outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. this year, with the largest linked to a migrant shelter in Chicago, resulting in over 60 cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported cases in 26 states and Washington, D.C., with 93 hospitalizations, primarily among children under five.

Approximately 85% of this year's measles cases involved individuals who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.

Concerns are growing among health experts as twelve states and Washington, D.C. reported vaccination rates below 90%, which is below the recommended threshold.

Public health officials recommend achieving at least 95% vaccination coverage to effectively prevent sustained measles transmission, as the disease can spread to 90% of unimmune individuals.

Globally, measles vaccination rates have fallen to their lowest levels since 2008, leading to an 18% increase in measles cases and a 43% increase in deaths from 2021 to 2022.

Common symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, conjunctivitis, runny nose, and a spreading rash, with serious complications leading to death in 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 infected children.

Experts warn that without significant changes in vaccination efforts, the current year could exceed the outbreak levels seen in 2019.