The CDC has confirmed 971 cases of measles in the U.S., the highest number reported in the country since 1992.
In 1992, 963 cases were reported nationwide.
Two of the biggest outbreaks began eight months ago in New York City and Rockland County, N.Y. If the number of cases continues to grow, the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status. The disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, prior to which 3 million to 4 million people where infected annually.
"Measles is preventable, and the way to end this outbreak is to ensure that all children and adults who can get vaccinated, do get vaccinated," said CDC Director Robert Redfield, MD. "Again, I want to reassure parents that vaccines are safe; they do not cause autism. The greater danger is the disease the vaccination prevents."
Measles cases have been confirmed in 26 states, with New Mexico being the latest state to report an infection, its first one in nearly four years.