As of the week ending on April 27, estimates place the number of confirmed measles cases in West Virginia for 2024 within the range of 1-9, according to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks no change from the last report on the week ending April 20.
In comparison to other states like California, Florida and New York, which have all faced outbreaks, Illinois currently leads with the highest estimated range of 50-99 confirmed cases.
In early 2024, the CDC reported a significant rise in measles cases across the United States, with 124 cases documented by April. This infectious disease, known for its high contagion, was commonly contracted during childhood in past decades. However, widespread vaccination programs had largely contained it until this year.
According to the CDC, this alarming resurgence of measles is due to contributing factors including international travel and a decline in vaccination rates. The number of cases in the first quarter of 2024 is alarming, showing a reported increase in cases in the first three months that is 17 times higher than the average of the previous three years.
Local health departments, in collaboration with the CDC, continue to monitor and address the outbreak, emphasizing the critical role of vaccinations. Residents are encouraged to stay informed on health advisories and ensure vaccinations are up to date.
| State | # of Cases |
|---|---|
| Illinois | 50-99 |
| Florida | 10-19 |
| Arizona | 1-9 |
| California | 1-9 |
| Georgia | 1-9 |
| Indiana | 1-9 |
| Louisiana | 1-9 |
| Maryland | 1-9 |
| Michigan | 1-9 |
| Minnesota | 1-9 |
| Missouri | 1-9 |
| New Jersey | 1-9 |
| New York | 1-9 |
| Ohio | 1-9 |
| Pennsylvania | 1-9 |
| Vermont | 1-9 |
| Virginia | 1-9 |
| Washington | 1-9 |
| West Virginia | 1-9 |
| Wisconsin | 1-9 |
