Measles morbilli virus infection outbreak, contagious rash, global child MMR vaccination. Airborne pathogen imaging, public health at risk. Immunization, morbillivirus disease prevention, medical 3D

Reports indicate that measles cases were accelerating at a steady clip in the month of April. More than 100 cases were confirmed every week. But ABC News reports now show things are slowing down.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average weekly cases rest at 22 in May. Public health experts believe the slowdown is due to a mix of vaccination, an increase in natural immunity, and people staying home when they're sick. 

Measles is incredibly contagious, say health experts. Just one infected patient can spread measles to as many as nine out of 10 susceptible close contacts (i.e. unvaccinated individuals).

Although the largest outbreaks have been reported in Texas and New Mexico, flare-ups of isolated measles cases and small outbreaks have occurred in 32 different states. According to ABC News reports, the recent increase in cases has changed community behavior, ultimately minimizing the spread. 

Public awareness and educational campaigns communicated the importance of saying home when sick. This has limited exposures in places like doctors' offices and day care centers. Experts believe the real indicator will be whether cases continue trending down and stabilize when school reopens and these airborne viruses are more easily spread.