Why This Year’s Measles Outbreak is Concerning and May Break Records

Among the most dreaded measles vaccine adverse effects is autism. Scientists do not agree that measles vaccines cause autism, but the fear persists.
Why This Year’s Measles Outbreak is Concerning and May Break Records
Visitors ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Disneyland, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, in Anaheim, Calif. Seventy people have been infected in a measles outbreak that led California public health officials to urge those who haven't been vaccinated against the disease, including children too young to be immunized, should avoid Disney parks where the spread originated. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Mary Silver
|Updated:

In 2014 the United States had a record number of measles cases: 644 cases in 27 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

It was by far the most cases “since measles elimination was documented in the U.S. in 2000,” according to the CDC. Measles is endemic in some other countries, and people can bring it here by traveling. It is extremely contagious, and can lead to deadly pneumonia, ear infections, and deafness.

Between 2000 and 2013, cases stayed around 100 or 200 across the country, but, like 2014, this year is off to a fast start, and most of those who became ill were unvaccinated.

From Jan. 1 to Jan. 23, 2015, 68 people from 11 states were reported to have measles, according to the CDC. Most of those measles cases are part of an outbreak linked to Disneyland in California.

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Mary Silver
Mary Silver
Author
Mary Silver writes columns, grows herbs, hikes, and admires the sky. She likes critters, and thinks the best part of being a journalist is learning new stuff all the time. She has a Masters from Emory University, serves on the board of the Georgia chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and belongs to the Association of Health Care Journalists.
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