Measles cases hit highest point in U.S. since 2000

Public Health Crisis - Measles cases are at their highest since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000 [1] - The resurgence is directly linked to a lack of vaccinations [1] - Measles spreads rapidly within communities, more contagious than COVID [3] Vaccination Rates and Skepticism - Vaccine skepticism, especially since the pandemic, is a major contributing factor [2] - Vaccination rates have decreased from approximately 95% before the pandemic to 93% after [2] - A 2% decrease in vaccination rates significantly increases the risk of measles outbreaks [3] Health Risks - Measles can cause both acute and long-term health issues [3] - Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can occur 7-10 years later, especially in children under two, leading to debilitating neurological problems [4] - Measles can result in lifelong health consequences for those infected [4]