WASHINGTON – The United States is on-track to break the record of the number of Measles cases since the disease was declared eliminated.
On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 71 new cases of Measles.
The number of cases this year is now at 626. That’s approaching 667 reported in 2014.
Nearly two decades ago, the Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. It’s likely that many don’t remember getting a booster shot as a kid or have lost documentation.
Those born before the 1960s may have never been vaccinated. Health officials said it is because doctors assumed children were exposed to the virus and would build immunity.
The group of adults that may be at risk are ‘Generation X’, born in the late 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
These adults may have been vaccinated, but never built immunity mostly because of the way the vaccines were administered.
There was a change in 1989 when the CDC began recommending two doses of the MMR vaccine, which covers the Measles, Mumps and Rubella, making the vaccine consistently more effective.
If you’re unsure of your immunity, contact your doctor. The CDC says it’s safe to get another dose.
Iowa and Tennessee are reporting cases for the first time, joining 20 other states, including New York and Washington which have largest outbreaks.
No fatalities have been reported in the united states from measles this year.
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