Measles Outbreak Escalates in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah
The measles situation in northern Arizona is becoming increasingly concerning, with the total number of cases reaching 97. This marks a significant rise, as nearly 40 new cases have emerged this month alone.
In addition, southern Utah is also grappling with the spread of the disease, recording 45 cases so far this year. Combined, the two states have reported over 150 cases, contributing to more than a tenth of the national total, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC was notably absent from a crucial infectious disease meeting this month, a result of the ongoing government shutdown.
Vaccination rates in Mohave County, the epicenter of Arizona’s outbreak, are alarmingly low. Last school year, only 78% of kindergarteners were vaccinated against measles, falling short of the recommended threshold for community immunity by about 20 percentage points.
