US officials focus on identification and rapid action as measles cases rise

Authorities in Delaware tackle cluster with vaccination and contract tracing - but field has been weakened by cuts

Measles outbreaks are igniting throughout the United States as the nation passes the highest case count in 30 years - putting greater pressure on state and local health departments and highlighting the importance of early identification and quick action.

The US has officially surpassed last year's tally of measles cases, reaching 2,371 confirmed infections by the end of July. Those numbers have been driven by clusters in Arizona, South Carolina, and Utah - but in times of high transmission, outbreaks elsewhere become more likely. And with decreasing vaccination rates across the country, these sparks are falling on increasingly dry timber.