Measles cases reach the second highest level since the disease was "eliminated"

America has reported 387 cases of measles in 15 states since the beginning of the year, making it the second most reported infection since the disease was declared "eliminated" in 2000.

The number had been exceeded only once before, in 2014, when 667 cases were reported on the same date.

The year-over-year chart of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (updated every Monday) shows that 2019 had disappeared on March 28, 2006 last year in terms of epidemics. By 2018, 372 cases had been confirmed by this date.

States that reported cases are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, the United States. State of New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington.

According to the CDC, outbreaks – defined by three or more cases – are underway in California (Santa Cruz and Butte County), New Jersey, New York (Rockland County and New York) and Washington.

In response to the outbreak of epidemics, Rockland County, which confirmed Friday 153 cases of measles, has banned unvaccinated minors in public places. Experts recommend that children receive the MMR vaccine in two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years.

The airborne disease is largely experiencing an upsurge due to the refusal of many parents to vaccinate their children, particularly in the Orthodox Jewish community. Although the symptoms of measles, which resemble those of the flu, usually disappear after several weeks, the disease can be fatal in some cases.

According to the CDC, the first symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Infected people are contagious four days before the onset of rash and up to the fourth day after their onset.

The peak of reported cases is related to travelers who brought back measles from other countries such as Israel, Ukraine and the Philippines, where large outbreaks occur, reported the CDC. Vaccination against measles – a dose is nearly 93% effective at preventing infections – is recommended before traveling abroad.