Measles surge hits new milestone as US cases surpass last year's total

Measles has reemerged as a persistent public health challenge in the U.S. over the past two years — and the spread isn't slowing down. According to a Johns Hopkins University tracker that compiles local and state health data, there were 2,295 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. as of July 22. Both this year and last year, 93% of all measles patients were either unvaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), or had an unknown vaccination status, data shows. "Measles is so contagious that up to 90% of susceptible people who are exposed to an infected person will become infected," Dr. Marc Siegel told Fox News Digital, noting the importance of community protection. "We need a 95% vaccine coverage rate to ensure herd immunity," he said. "This isn't about personal choice, it's about community protection. We need to protect those who can't have a live virus vaccine because they are immunocompromised or pregnant." The U.S. eliminated local measles spread in 2000 thanks to a highly effective vaccination program, but that status is now in jeopardy, as outbreaks in undervaccinated communities continue to spread.