(DDM) – The United States has recorded more than 1,100 cases of measles in the first two months of the year, according to data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Health officials warn that the rapid rise in cases could lead to additional deaths, as measles remains highly contagious and can be fatal in rare instances.
According to the CDC, approximately one in every 1,000 children infected with measles may develop encephalitis, a severe inflammation of the brain.
Up to three out of every 1,000 infected children may die from complications related to the disease.
The current outbreak is already six times higher than the typical annual total for the United States, highlighting a troubling public health trend.
As of February 26, the CDC reported 1,136 confirmed cases of measles nationwide, a number that continues to climb.
A separate tracker from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Outbreak Response Innovation has tallied an even higher total for the year, suggesting the CDC figures may be conservative.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets and can linger in the air for hours.
Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads across the body.
The disease can be particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
Widespread vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles outbreaks.
Public health experts emphasize that communities with lower immunization rates are especially vulnerable to rapid transmission.
The recent surge has raised concerns among healthcare providers about hospital capacity and the availability of antiviral treatments and supportive care.
Officials are also warning that international travel may contribute to the continued spread of the virus.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but declining vaccination coverage has allowed the disease to resurface.
The CDC encourages parents to ensure that children receive both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
In addition to vaccination, health authorities recommend measures such as frequent handwashing, masking in high-risk areas, and rapid isolation of suspected cases.
Schools, childcare centers, and community organizations are being advised to monitor vaccination records and enforce immunization requirements.
The public health community stresses that timely intervention can prevent small outbreaks from becoming widespread epidemics.
Federal and state officials are coordinating response efforts, including contact tracing, public awareness campaigns, and emergency vaccination clinics.
Experts warn that if the outbreak continues unchecked, further hospitalizations and preventable deaths are likely in the coming months.
The surge underscores the ongoing vulnerability of populations when immunization coverage drops and the importance of maintaining robust vaccination programs.
Health authorities continue to track case numbers and urge Americans to prioritize immunization and preventive care.
The current outbreak serves as a stark reminder of how quickly measles can return when vaccination rates decline, even in countries with advanced healthcare infrastructure.
