Measles cases are rising. Other vaccine-preventable infections could be next.
London and South Carolina see major outbreaks with 962 cases, as kindergarten vaccination rates fall to 20% in some schools.
Deep Dive
Public health officials report measles outbreaks in London (34 cases) and South Carolina (962 cases) due to declining vaccination rates. The MMR vaccine rate has dropped from 94% to 91% in SC, with some schools at just 20%. The UK lost its measles elimination status alongside five other countries. Experts warn this signals potential resurgence of other preventable diseases like polio and meningitis as vaccine hesitancy grows globally.
Why It Matters
Falling vaccination rates threaten herd immunity, risking preventable disease comebacks that cause pneumonia, blindness, and death.