There could be more cases of measles this year in the United States than we've seen in more than a decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports it's already seen 98 cases in 2011 -- double the average number for an entire year.
Why is this happening?
CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton said it's often because people aren't vaccinated.
She explained, "Before the measles vaccine, this was an infectious disease that was pretty significant in this country. Several million people got sick every year, (it) caused about 500 deaths in the U.S. per year. In 2000, the CDC reported we had really had a victory over measles because of the vaccine, and it was pretty much 99 percent eradicated. When we see cases today in this country, they are almost entirely brought in from other parts of the world, and the people who get sick here are those who are largely not vaccinated."
Ashton said the CDC reports 98 cases in 23 states. She noted the federal organization has not been pointing out which states are involved. No deaths have been reported.
Why is this happening?
CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton said it's often because people aren't vaccinated.
She explained, "Before the measles vaccine, this was an infectious disease that was pretty significant in this country. Several million people got sick every year, (it) caused about 500 deaths in the U.S. per year. In 2000, the CDC reported we had really had a victory over measles because of the vaccine, and it was pretty much 99 percent eradicated. When we see cases today in this country, they are almost entirely brought in from other parts of the world, and the people who get sick here are those who are largely not vaccinated."
Ashton said the CDC reports 98 cases in 23 states. She noted the federal organization has not been pointing out which states are involved. No deaths have been reported.
