Measles vaccination still important to avoid outbreaks, CDC warns

Despite progress toward eliminating measles in the United States, outbreaks continue to occur, particularly in communities with high percentages of people who are not vaccinated because of religious and philosophical beliefs, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since the beginning of this year, 159 cases of measles have been reported in 16 states. Eight outbreaks of measles have occurred this year, including one with 58 cases in New York City, the largest U.S. outbreak reported since 1996. The outbreaks often begin when the virus is brought into the country by travelers. So far this year, 42 people contracted measles while abroad, about half of whom had traveled to Europe, according to the report. Three of this year’s outbreaks occurred after measles was brought into communities with high rates of people who were not vaccinated due to philosophical or religious objection. These three outbreaks have accounted for...