India, April 11 -- The United States recorded over 1600 measles cases across 40 jurisdictions this year. Health officials blame falling vaccination rates for this massive surge in dangerous infections nationwide.

US News and World Report tracked 1600 cases and 17 outbreaks this year. Over 40 jurisdictions reported measles infections to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

South Carolina reported the largest number of cases, with over 600 infections total. Utah officials recorded 378 infections during an ongoing outbreak since last summer. New York and Florida also confirmed large numbers of these highly contagious virus cases.

The country now faces the risk of losing its official measles elimination status soon. Federal heal...