The number of measles cases in the United States has reached a new historic peak over the last three and a half decades, according to the latest reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Statistics show that by the end of June, health authorities had verified 2,318 infections, surpassing the 2,289 cases recorded last year, when two unimmunized minors lost their lives to the disease.

This escalation of infections coincides with a period where vaccine skepticism has deepened significantly in the U.S., resulting in declining immunization rates. American experts advise administering two doses of the vaccine for the one-to-six age group, which provide 97% protection against the pathogen.

In November, a special committee will examine whether the United States risks losing its certification as a country that has eliminated measles, a status Canada lost a year ago. As the BBC explains, this classification is lost after a period of at least one year with continuous transmission of the same viral variant.

Data reveals that within the last 18 months, the U.S. has documented more infections than during the previous 25 years combined.

Last year, an outbreak in a Mennonite community in Texas proved fatal for two unvaccinated children, as well as for an unimmunized adult in the neighboring state of New Mexico.

In just the past month, Virginia and Pennsylvania have announced fresh outbreaks of the disease, while Utah continues to battle a significant number of cases originating from last year. About 45 states have reported infection data.

The measles virus, distinguished by a characteristic skin rash, affected millions of children every year before the vaccine was discovered. It is characterized by a high level of contagiousness and can be deadly. Some of those infected may experience long-term consequences, including encephalitis and immune amnesia, which resets the body’s defense system to its initial stage, making the organism more vulnerable to future infections.

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Data from the NIPHK show that Pristina leads in the number of cases, with 17. It is followed by Ferizaj with 12 cases, Kaçanik with 6, and Fushë-Kosova with 5. Two cases each were reported in Lipjan, Vushtrri, Shtime, and Obiliq, while one case each was recorded in Gjilan, Drenas, Deçan, and Viti.

The institute appealed to citizens that anyone showing suspicious symptoms, such as high fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose, or conjunctivitis, should seek medical help without delay at the nearest health institution.

“Given the high contagiousness of measles, the risk of its spread in the community, and the complications caused by measles, the NIPHK calls on parents and guardians to verify the vaccination status of their children and ensure vaccination according to the regular immunization calendar at family medicine centers. Vaccination remains the most effective and safest measure for preventing measles, protecting unvaccinated individuals, and safeguarding public health,” the NIPHK said.

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