Reported measles cases in the U.S. had soared to 971 by the end of May. That’s the largest number since 1992, when there were 963 for the entire year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Measles is preventable and the way to end this outbreak is to ensure that all children and adults who can get vaccinated, do get vaccinated. Again, I want to reassure parents that vaccines are safe, they do not cause autism. The greater danger is the disease the vaccination prevents,” CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said.
Individual cases have been reported in 26 states, with the highest concentration in New York City—550 cases—and Rockland County, N.Y.—254 cases. If the outbreak continues, the U.S. could lose its status as having eliminated measles, according to the CDC.