U.S. Measles Cases Top 2,300 as Vaccine Skepticism Fuels Fastest Surge Since 1991
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Aug 3
U.S. Measles Cases Top 2,300 as Vaccine Skepticism Fuels Fastest Surge Since 1991
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Aug 3
Summary
More than 2,300 measles cases have been recorded across the U.S., surpassing any annual total since the 1989-91 outbreak and still rising week by week.
A 15% rise in vaccine skepticism since 2019 and weakening confidence in childhood shots have helped drive outbreaks, with critics blaming an RFK Jr.-led health agenda for amplifying misinformation.
Two child deaths were reported in Texas, and recent clusters have spread in under-vaccinated religious communities in West Texas and South Carolina.
Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective, and HHS says it has sent $8.5 million plus CDC staff and technical support to affected states and localities.
The last major U.S. outbreak caused 55,467 cases and 166 deaths by 1991; doctors warn today’s problem is harder because access is less of a barrier than distrust.