President Donald Trump has told Americans to “get their shots” as measles cases surge across the United States. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, he said: “The vaccinations are so important.”
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports nearly 700 cases across 22 states, marking the highest level since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. The outbreak has prompted quarantines at two California universities, where hundreds of staff and students unable to prove immunity have been asked to stay home.
Mr Trump’s latest comments contrast sharply with his previous statements linking vaccines to autism—a claim repeatedly debunked by public health experts. During his 2016 campaign, he suggested vaccines caused an “epidemic” of autism and met with anti-vaccine activists.
Vaccination rates in the US have declined steadily, driven by philosophical or religious objections and discredited anti-vaccine beliefs. The CDC attributes the rise in cases to a global trend of falling vaccination rates, with more than 110,000 measles cases reported worldwide in the first three months of 2019—a 300% increase on the previous year.
Measles is highly infectious and can cause serious complications, including lung and brain damage. Health officials continue to stress the safety and importance of vaccination.
