Measles was eliminated in the US in 2000, meaning no outbreaks persisted for a year or more. Measles elimination “reduces the number of cases, deaths, and costs that would occur if endemic measles transmission were reestablished,” according to the CDC report.
Last month, the CDC issued a health alert to doctors to increase awareness of the international spread of measles, and urged them to vaccinate infants a few months ahead of the typical schedule if families are planning to go abroad.
The George Washington University has experts available to discuss the continued rise in measles cases and how it could threaten the elimination status. If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, [email protected].
Jose Lucar is an associate professor of infectious diseases at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Maria Elena Ruiz is an associate professor of medicine and an infectious disease expert at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Emily Smith, is an associate professor of global health and an expert in infectious diseases and epidemiology, at the GW University Milken Institute School of Public Health.
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