A new health report warns that even a slight decline in measles vaccination rates could lead to a significant increase in cases, threatening a resurgence of the vaccine-preventable disease.

The report, published by the Common Health Coalition, states that a 1% annual decrease in childhood measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates could result in more than 17,000 new measles cases annually in the United States.

Estimates indicate that this small decline could lead to approximately 17,000 new measles cases each year, roughly 4,000 hospitalizations, and nearly 36 preventable deaths annually. It could also place a significant financial burden on the healthcare system, with additional costs potentially reaching $1.5 billion annually through 2030.