CDC says measles cases for 2024 already surpassing last year’s numbers

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — According to the CDC, the number of measles outbreaks in 2024 has already passed the amount reported last year.

This year, the Miami Valley has seen reports of measles with three cases in Montgomery County and two in Miami County. Across the U.S. and globally, measles outbreaks have been reported .

“There’s also outbreaks all throughout the United States in different pockets of the areas,” said Dan Suffoletto, public information supervisor for Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County.

So far in 2024, the U.S. has seen 128 cases of measles with seven total outbreaks reported, according to the CDC . In 2023, there were only four outbreaks reported.

Suffoletto says that travel can be a reason for the spread of measles, as people who may not have a vaccine could be exposed while overseas.

“When you talk about global numbers, some countries do not have the resources to have the vaccinations at the high level that we do here in the United States,” said Suffoletto.

Compared to years past, the halt in travel and large gatherings during the pandemic could be impacting the numbers we see now.

“So there was a period there where there were a lot less cases of everything, not just measles, so, as you compare to that time period, it is going to be a little bit different,” said Suffoletto.

While outbreaks are being reported across the country, there has not been any indication that an outbreak can happen in Montgomery County and the Miami Valley.

“There’s no indication right now of any cases moving forward. That being said, we do have a communicative disease team here that is on the lookout for all diseases not just measles. So we do have a staff of people working every day to stop the spread of disease,” said Suffoletto.

Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County say the best defense against measles is the vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure you received the measles vaccine.

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