U.S. sees worst measles surge since 1991 as CDC records new death
The United States is experiencing its most severe measles outbreak since 1991, with the CDC adding a death to its count.
Measles cases in the United States have risen to the highest level recorded since 1991, and the CDC has updated its online database to include a single death. State officials in Pennsylvania report that four unvaccinated people have died from the disease in recent weeks. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, has challenged the attribution of those deaths to measles, creating a heated political debate.
Epidemiologist Jewel Murray, who survived a severe measles infection as a child, warned that the surge should alarm the public. The outbreak has triggered a review by international health agencies to determine whether the country will retain its measles elimination designation.
Why it matters
A rising measles outbreak threatens public health and could cause the U.S. to lose its disease-free status.
In this story
Related stories
8 in this thread