Measles cases will spur US vaccines debate

Subject

Measles cases and vaccinations in the United States.

Significance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in late May there had been 971 reported cases of measles in 2019, surpassing the previous US record of 963 in 1994. Measles is highly contagious but had been eliminated in the United States in 2000. Now, however, it is back. The current outbreak is particularly affecting parts of New York City and within that, the Orthodox Jewish community.

Impacts

• Social media firms could face government and public pressure further to help with public health campaigns.
• There will likely be court cases against local governments’ legal moves to compel people to be vaccinated.
• If vaccination levels do not increase markedly, inroads could be created into the problem by increasing US border health checks.