Measles Surges in the US: Over 180 Cases Reported in 2024, Half Required Hospitalization

New York, New York United States of America
188 measles cases reported in the US as of July 2024
CDC recommends two doses of MMR vaccine for protection against measles and its complications
Declining vaccination rates and international travel contributing to rise in measles cases
Half of all measles cases required hospitalization
Improving healthcare access and addressing vaccine hesitancy crucial steps to combat measles
Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease with symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, spots, and rash
Measles Surges in the US: Over 180 Cases Reported in 2024, Half Required Hospitalization

The number of measles cases in the United States has already surpassed the total reported last year, with 188 cases confirmed as of July 2024. This significant increase is attributed to declining vaccination rates and a rise in measles cases worldwide.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately half of all measles cases this year required hospitalization due to complications, mostly affecting children under 5 years old. The U.S. has seen 13 outbreaks in total, with the largest one taking place at a migrant shelter.

Measles is a highly contagious and serious airborne disease that can lead to severe complications and even death, especially in children. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), conjunctivitis (red eyes), spots, and a rash.

The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for protection against these diseases. The first dose is typically given between 12 to 15 months old, followed by the second dose at 4 to 6 years old.

Despite the increase in measles cases this year, it's important to note that vaccines are still effective in preventing measles and its complications. The risk of contracting measles after getting vaccinated is extremely low.

The reasons behind the decline in vaccination rates and the rise in measles cases are complex, involving socioeconomic factors, vaccine hesitancy, international travel, and public health infrastructure. Improving healthcare access and addressing vaccine hesitancy are crucial steps to combat measles.

Measles is not limited to the United States; it has also re-emerged in many other countries around the world. In 2019, global measles cases surged 140% compared to 2010, with declining vaccination rates contributing to the increase in many nations.

It's essential for individuals and communities to prioritize vaccinations and maintain a high level of awareness about the importance of protecting themselves and others against measles. By doing so, we can work together to prevent further outbreaks and ensure that this disease does not regain its foothold in our society.



Confidence

95%

Doubts
  • Are there any specific reasons for the decline in vaccination rates mentioned in the article?
  • What are some of the socioeconomic factors contributing to declining vaccination rates?

Sources

98%

  • Unique Points
    • In 2024, there have been 188 reported cases of measles in the US, which is more than triple the number of cases in 2023 (58).
    • Approximately half of all measles cases this year required hospitalization for isolation or management of complications.
    • Approximately 85% of infected individuals this year were ‘unvaccinated or unknown’.
  • Accuracy
    • Around 85% of infected individuals this year were ‘unvaccinated or unknown’.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • There have been 188 measles cases reported in the US as of this year
    • No deaths from measles have been reported yet but 93 people have been hospitalized due to measles, mostly children under 5 years old
    • Measles cases were reported in Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon and Vermont this month
  • Accuracy
    • No deaths from measles have been reported yet
    • 93 people have been hospitalized due to measles, mostly children under 5 years old
    • Measles cases have been reported in Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon and Vermont this month
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

92%

  • Unique Points
    • Three spikes of measles cases occurred: late March with 38 cases and two smaller spikes starting July 7 with 12 cases and last week with six cases.
    • Children under 5 account for almost half of the measles cases in 2024.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (80%)
    The article provides accurate information about the number of measles cases in the US and New York City. However, it uses emotional manipulation by stating that 'the number of measles cases recorded in the US this year is already triple the 2023 total' and 'Measles cases are on the rise in the US.' These statements create a sense of urgency and fear without providing necessary context. The article also engages in selective reporting by focusing on the increase in measles cases while omitting information about decreases in other diseases due to vaccination efforts.
    • Measles cases are on the rise in the US.
    • The number of measles cases recorded in the US this year is already triple the 2023 total
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several instances of inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority. It also presents a dichotomous depiction of vaccination rates. No formal logical fallacies were found.
    • . . . measles cases are on the rise in the US.
    • There have been over 180 measles cases in the US in 2024.
    • The downturn is due in part to vaccine hesitancy bred by misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, experts suggested.
    • Dr. David Hamer . . . told NBC that having this year be even worse than 2019 definitely has potential.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

95%

  • Unique Points
    • Measles cases around the world surged 140% from 2010 to 2019.
    • Declining vaccination rates in 59 of 194 nations contributed to the increase in measles cases.
    • Effective vaccine coverage, higher gross national per-capita income, greater proportion of urban population, migration, and political stability/absence of violence had negative correlations with lower measles rates.
    • Improving healthcare access and addressing vaccine hesitancy are necessary to combat measles.
  • Accuracy
    • ]Measles cases around the world surged 140% from 2010 to 2019.[
    • Approximately half of all measles cases this year required hospitalization for isolation or management of complications.
    • Around 85% of those who contracted measles had unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

  • Unique Points
    • In 2024, over 150 measles cases have been reported in more than 20 states including Virginia.
    • Measles, a highly contagious and vaccine preventable disease, has re-emerged in the US where vaccination rates are low.
  • Accuracy
    • 150 measles cases have been reported in more than 20 states including Virginia.
    • There have been 188 reported cases of measles in the US, which is more than triple the number of cases in 2023 (58).
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication