Measles cases reach record high since the disease was declared eliminated

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - The measles, a virus declared eliminated in 2000, is now surging across the United States.

According to Johns Hopkins, there have been over 1,200 confirmed cases this year.

Some of those cases were detected right here in Michigan. A reason why doctors like Farhan Bhatti are pushing for those eligible to get vaccinated.

“I understand people have some hesitancy about vaccines, particularly newer ones, but MMR has been around for forever and the data about its safety is so well established, it’s inarguable,” said Dr. Farhan Bhatti.

The data collected by Johns Hopkins shows that nearly all cases of measles this year have occurred in those who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

If cases continue to soar the United States could lose its measles elimination status.

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