In the first five months of 2019, the United States has seen 971 Measles cases.
New York City and Rockland County have seen the largest source of the surge.
In 1963, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made a statement claiming that the total elimination of measles would be a top priority for the United States going forward. In 2000, that goal was met and the United States achieved measles-elimination status. For the first time since reaching elimination status, the U.S. is at risk of losing what took years of monumental work from public health organizations of all levels. This October, the CDC will assess where the country stands on this matter.
What is Measles?
Measles is a contagious serious respiratory disease that causes a fever and rash. Other symptoms include ear infection, diarrhea, cough, runny nose and red eyes. In certain cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, deafness, long term brain damage and death.
