United States on brink of losing measles elimination status
The latest CDC data shows more than 5,000 cases across the country this year.
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Officials from the Pan American Health Organization are meeting this week to discuss whether to revoke the United States’ measles elimination status.
Experts say the county is on the brink of losing it due to continuous transmission of the highly contagious illness.
Measles was mostly eradicated since the development of the vaccine more than 25 years ago.
However, experts say vaccine hesitancy triggered a steady rise in cases since the pandemic.
The latest CDC data shows more than 5,000 cases across the country this year.
New York confirmed 178 cases this year, including one death. That is up from 20 cases last year, and just one three years ago.
Experts say the best way to protect yourself is to get the MMR vaccine.
MORE: Child becomes first measles-associated death in New York state in over 30 years
