The United States has documented 314 measles cases as early as March



[ad_1]

(Newser)

Last year, 372 cases of measles were reported in the United States, the second highest number in more than 20 years. That's why this year's figures in the first three months alone have concerned health officials. The CDC notes that between 1 January and 21 March, 314 cases of measles in 15 states were documented. Outbreaks (defined as three or more cases) have been reported in Texas, California, Illinois, Washington, New York, and Rockland County. New York. The epidemics have been linked to people who have traveled to Ukraine and Israel, where measles is rife. CNN notes a slight increase in some areas where schools allow more immunization exemptions, health officials stressing that the proliferation of anti-vaccination is a contributing factor to the growing number of measles cases.

Nevertheless, a spokesman for the CDC said that it was not certain that 2019 would accelerate by 2018 by the end of the year, highlighting the fact that "agency was not trying to" predict the number of cases we would have in a given year or when we could exceed the number of cases that occurred in a previous year ". At the same time, a country is now planning to make vaccinations mandatory: Deutsche Welle reports that Germany, which has experienced its own spike in measles cases, is considering it, though some officials believe that Such a compulsory move would be "counterproductive" and parents should simply be educated. better on the benefits of vaccination. (A family visiting Costa Rica brought measles back there.)

[ad_2]

Source link