National measles surge raises concerns in Michigan
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The U.S. measles case count has reached levels not seen in more than three decades, and Michigan has already seen two outbreaks this year.
Why it matters: Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 thanks to an effective vaccination program. But childhood vaccination rates have slipped in recent years, allowing outbreaks to take hold in communities with lower immunization coverage.
The latest: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 2,318 cases this year as of late July, with the vast majority occurring in people under 20 who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
Zoom in: Michigan has reported 14 measles cases this year, including two outbreaks in Washtenaw and Ottawa counties.
- Last year, there were 30 cases statewide and three outbreaks.
What they're saying: While Michigan isn't among the nation's hardest-hit states, Wayne State University infectious disease physician Gretchen Newman says there's reason for concern.
- "I am concerned about every state in the union, and I am definitely concerned about Michigan," Newman tells Axios.
- She says measles is so contagious that communities need vaccination rates above 95% to prevent sustained spread, adding that some Michigan communities fall well below that threshold.
By the numbers: In Wayne County, 77% of children ages 19-35 months had received at least one MMR vaccine dose, according to state immunization data. Among teens ages 13-17, 89% had completed the recommended two-dose MMR series.
What to know: Nearly all measles cases occur in people who aren't vaccinated, Newman says.
- Nationwide, 93% of measles cases this year have occurred in people who were unvaccinated or whose status was unknown, according to the CDC.
- Anyone unsure of their or their child's vaccination status can check with their pediatrician or local health department, which can access Michigan's statewide immunization registry.
Elsewhere, two states dominate the national count of cases, according to CDC data.
- South Carolina has reported 670 cases, while Utah has reported 522 cases. Together, they account for 1,192 cases, which is 51% of the national total.
- Seven states — South Carolina, Utah, Texas, Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania and Arizona — represent more than 84% of the total.