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Abstract:
During 1997, a provisional total of 138 confirmed measles cases was reported to CDC by local and state health departments, the lowest number of measles cases ever reported in 1 year and a 55% decrease from the previous record low of 309 cases reported in 1995. This report describes the epidemiology of measles in the United States in 1997, which suggests that no endemic measles virus is circulating in the United States.
Insights
In 1997, the United States reported a record low of 138 measles cases, a 55% decrease from 1995. This indicates measles is no longer endemic in the US.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious viral illness.
- Historically, measles caused widespread outbreaks in the United States.
- Significant public health efforts have aimed at measles eradication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of measles cases reported in the United States during 1997.
- To assess the progress towards measles elimination goals.
- To determine if endemic measles virus circulation persists in the US.
Main Methods:
- Review of provisional measles case data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Analysis of case counts and trends from 1995 to 1997.
- Epidemiological assessment of reported measles cases.
Main Results:
- A provisional total of 138 confirmed measles cases were reported in 1997.
- This represents a 55% decrease from the previous record low of 309 cases in 1995.
- The reported case numbers suggest a lack of endemic measles virus circulation.
Conclusions:
- The 1997 measles case data strongly suggests the absence of endemic measles virus transmission in the United States.
- Continued surveillance and vaccination efforts are crucial to maintain measles-free status.
- The findings support the success of public health interventions in controlling measles.