CDC: Measles case count threatens elimination status

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday reported 971 cases of measles so far this year, the most since 1992. “If these outbreaks continue through summer and fall, the United States may lose its measles elimination status,” the agency said. “That loss would be a huge blow for the nation and erase the hard work done by all levels of public health.” The virus was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. CDC recommends vaccination for all eligible children and high-risk adults, including travelers and health care workers. Most of this year’s cases involve children who have not been vaccinated. Before widespread use of the measles vaccine, an estimated 3 to 4 million Americans got measles each year, resulting in an estimated 400 to 500 deaths and 48,000 hospitalizations.