Acting CDC director Bhattacharya urges measles vaccination as outbreaks continue

Acting CDC director Jay Bhattacharya urged families to consider measles vaccination as outbreaks continue; the CDC reports 1,136 confirmed cases this year and 10 new outbreaks.

Acting CDC director Jay Bhattacharya urged families to consider measles vaccination while outbreaks continue across the United States. In a video posted on the social platform X, he said the CDC is surging resources and coordinating with states on education and outreach. The CDC reports 1,136 confirmed measles cases so far this year and 10 new outbreaks, after nearly 2,300 cases and 50 outbreaks last year. Officials have said the U.S. is at risk of losing its measles elimination status and international review is planned. Known details: - Bhattacharya described vaccination as prevention and noted the MMR vaccine’s reported effectiveness; the statement cited two doses as 97% effective at providing long-term protection. - The CDC reported 1,136 confirmed cases this year and 10 new outbreaks, following about 2,300 cases across 50 outbreaks last year. - The Pan American Health Organization has scheduled an April meeting with the U.S. and Mexico to review their measles data and status. Summary: Bhattacharya framed vaccination as the primary prevention tool and said the CDC is increasing resources and state coordination in response to ongoing outbreaks. Authorities report over 1,100 cases this year and an international review by PAHO is scheduled for April to examine the U.S. and Mexico measles situations.