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Measles cases nationwide top 5,400 as deaths rise to 10
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • health
Key Points:
- The United States has reported a total of 10 measles deaths, with recent fatalities in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, amid over 5,400 confirmed cases across 45 states as of the latest CDC update.
- Measles infections have increased by 230 cases since last week, significantly surpassing the U.S. annual average of 180 cases from 2000 to 2024.
- Vaccination rates among kindergartners have declined from 95% in 2019 to 92% in 2026, resulting in approximately 300,000 unvaccinated children entering classrooms, below the herd immunity threshold of 95%.
- Measles is highly contagious, capable of infecting 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed, and can cause serious complications such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, especially in unvaccinated children.
- The MMR vaccine, administered in two doses during early childhood, is 97% effective at preventing measles infection and reduces severity if infection occurs; a decision on the U.S. measles elimination status is expected soon.
