However, this year is on track to be one of the worst for measles in more than a decade, and health officials say people who refuse to vaccinate their children are behind the increase.
The number of cases reported through August 24 is 159 — the second-highest number of cases since 2000, when measles was declared eliminated from the United States. In 2011, there were 222 cases.
As of November, there have been 175 cases reported, according to CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden.
The elimination declaration means measles no longer spreads year-round in the country, the CDC says. But it is still common throughout the world.
Of this year’s cases, 172 were import-associated, meaning they were brought into the country from overseas, according to a paper published Thursday in JAMA Pediatrics. The other three were likely directly imported.
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The outbreak — the largest since 1996, according to the CDC — stemmed from an intentionally unvaccinated 17-year-old who returned to New York from London while infected with measles.
Vaccinations in general continue to be a hot topic, with some parents opposed for religious or other reasons.
“Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally,” the CDC says. “They can bring measles to the United States and infect others. Unvaccinated people put themselves and others at risk for measles and its serious complications.”
Former staffer: Measles church counseled faith, not shots
