Measles outbreak in the USA: highest level in 35 years

The USA is currently experiencing the largest measles outbreak in decades. A single state has not reported more than 1,000 measles cases in 35 years.

More than 1,000 cases of measles have been officially registered in Pennsylvania, and around 200 people are in hospital as a result. Five people have also died in connection with measles, according to Pennsylvania health officials. Other states are also affected.

Highest level in 35 years

Pennsylvania's neighboring state New York has now declared a state of emergency - with just over 100 cases. This is intended to increase the number of skilled workers vaccinating and testing. There are 3,900 total cases of measles in the United States.

The US health authority reported the highest level in 35 years in July, and the number has continued to rise since then. The measles outbreak in the USA is mainly due to the fact that fewer and fewer Americans are getting vaccinated. Of the more than 1,000 people in Pennsylvania who have measles, less than one percent are fully vaccinated.

USA could lose “measles-free” status

The trend of fewer people getting vaccinated is not new. This has been the case in the USA for years. In November, it will be determined internationally again which countries are considered measles-free. The USA could lose this status. A country is considered measles-free if measles has not spread continuously for more than a year.