US measles cases highest since 1992

The United States has recorded 971 cases of measles in the first five months of 2019, surpassing the total for any year since 1992.

The United States has recorded 971 cases of measles in the first five months of 2019, surpassing the total for any year since 1992, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention say.

There were a total of 963 US cases of measles in 1992, the CDC said.

Public health officials blame the resurgence on the spread of misinformation about vaccines. A vocal fringe of parents oppose vaccines.

Although the virus was eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning the disease was no longer a constant presence, outbreaks still happen because of travellers from countries where measles is common, the CDC said.


Share

1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world