Shelby Co. has more measles cases than rest of U.S.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Shelby County is home to more measles cases than the rest of the U.S. combined after an outbreak that began last week.

The Commercial Appeal reports six cases so far have been confirmed in the county. According to the Health Department, that’s 60 percent of all U.S. cases this year.

Measles had been considered eradicated in the U.S. 16 years ago, but the anti-vaccination movement of recent years has led to new outbreaks.

More than 90 percent of Shelby County’s school-age children are vaccinated, but Tennessee Health Department spokeswoman Shelley Walker says it is likely they will see more cases.

The highly contagious virus often leads to mild illness, but roughly one in 1,000 cases results in death.

Officials have identified 14 sites where people could have been exposed.