The disease was eliminated in 2000, but public health officials blame the resurgence on misinformation about vaccines

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

The US recorded 60 new measles cases last week, taking confirmed cases for the year to 940, the worst outbreak since 1994 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000, federal health officials said on Monday.

Measles cases soar across US: 'It's getting worse' Read more

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 6.8% increase in the number of measles cases in the week that ended 24 May, in an outbreak that has reached 26 states. The agency has been providing weekly updates.

Experts warned that the outbreak is not over as the number of cases edges closer to the 1994 total of 958. That was the highest number since 1992, when the CDC recorded 2,126 cases.

Public health officials have blamed the measles resurgence on the spread of misinformation about vaccines, which a vocal fringe of parents opposes, believing, contrary to scientific studies, that ingredients in them can cause autism.

Although the virus was eliminated from the US in 2000, meaning it was no longer a constant presence, outbreaks still happen via travelers coming from countries where measles is still common, according to the CDC.