No measles cases have been reported in Genesee, Orleans as US sees highest number in 33 years

The United States has seen 1,288 reported cases of measles so far this year, the most in 33 years.

None of those cases are in Genesee or Orleans counties, which is at 0 for the year, said Nola Goodrich-Kreese, public health educator and public information officer for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put out the latest data today, which shows a big uptick in measles, a disease that 25 years ago was declared eliminated in the United States.

Declining vaccination rates for measles, plus the disease’s highly infectious nature, has given it a resurgence, according to public health officials.

Measles is an airborne, extremely infectious, and potentially severe rash illness, the CDC said. Before the measles vaccine was introduced, an estimated 48,000 people were hospitalized and 400–500 people died in the United States each year, according to the CDC.

The CDC reports measles has been recorded in more than three dozen states, including New York State and New York City. The biggest outbreak is in Texas where there have been 753 reported cases.

The CDC says 162 people have been hospitalized in the U.S. and three have died from the measles.

Of those who contracted measles, 92 percent were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown.

The age breakdown of the cases include 29 percent under age 5, 36 percent ages 5 to 19, and 34 percent 20 or older. (There are 12 cases or 1 percent where the age is unknown).