Measles Is Raging Worldwide

3 months ago

Measles cases are surging in the US and other countries, with the US recording over 2,000 cases in 2025, the highest in three decades.
Several countries, including the UK, Spain, Austria, and Canada, have lost their 'measles-free' status due to recent outbreaks.
The measles virus is highly contagious, with each infected person potentially spreading it to 12–18 others if they are susceptible.
The measles vaccine is highly effective, offering 93% protection after one dose and 97% after two doses, with immunity lasting a lifetime for most people.
Herd immunity requires 92–94% of the population to be immune to prevent sustained transmission, but vaccination rates in the US have dropped below the 95% target.
Vaccinated individuals can still get infected (12% of cases in the US from 2001–2022 were breakthrough infections), but symptoms are usually mild.
Outbreaks often involve unvaccinated individuals, as seen in South Carolina where 838 of 876 cases were unvaccinated or unsure of their status.
Travelers are at risk, especially during long flights, as seen in a case where one infected passenger led to nine additional cases in Colorado.

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