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This month, the United States reached a level of more confirmed measles cases for the year than in any time in the past 30 years. 1990 saw an unusual high of 27,808 measles cases reported with a series of outbreaks in large metro areas. However, subsequent improvement in vaccine policies encouraged higher vaccination rates, which helped dramatically reduce cases over the next few years. Cases dropped to 2,126 by 1992, and measles was declared eliminated by 2000. Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that cases for this year through July 23 have surged to 1,319 in 40 states. The vast majority of cases (92%) are among people who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. So far, 13% of the cases have resulted in hospitalization, and 3 deaths have been confirmed. With several states reporting new cases this week, the overall national total is certain to rise even higher by the end of the year.
North American hotspots: In Canada, a similar measles surge continues. The total number of confirmed cases in the province of Alberta alone recently jumped to 1,454 cases—surpassing the number of cases across the entire United States. As of July 21, Canada reported a total of 3,977 measles cases (3,665 confirmed, 312 probable) and 1 death. Among the cases, 86% are among the unvaccinated and 8% among those whose vaccination status is unknown.