A nationwide analysis conducted by NBC News’ Health and Medical Unit, in collaboration with Stanford University researchers, reveals a troubling trend: since 2019, 77% of counties and jurisdictions across the United States have experienced a decline in measles vaccination rates.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine — once credited with eliminating measles in the U.S. by 2000 — is now falling below the threshold needed to maintain herd immunity in many communities.

NBC 5 Responds took a closer look at how this trend is playing out in the Chicago area.

A look back and a warning ahead

Dr. Stockton Mayer, interim chief of infectious diseases at UI Health, told NBC Chicago the United States saw half a million measles infections every year, resulting in about 500 deaths annually, be

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