Select the correct answer. Study the graph showing data on the number of measles cases reported in the United States each year for the period 2001 to 2015. Which statement presents a correct analysis of the data? US Measles Cases by Year A. Other diseases became more common than measles in the United States after the year 2001. B. People have learned proper hygiene techniques to prevent the spread of measles. C. The number of measles cases suddenly increased in the year 2014. D. Vaccination programs have helped reduce the number of measles cases since the year 2014.

## Step 1: Analyze the data trends in the bar graph<br />### The bar graph shows that the number of measles cases fluctuated between 2001 and 2015. Most years had fewer than 200 cases, with some years having significantly lower numbers (e.g., 2002, 2003, 2004). However, there is a notable spike in 2014, where the number of cases exceeds 600, making it the highest year for measles cases during this period.<br /><br />## Step 2: Evaluate each statement<br />### - **Option A**: This statement claims that other diseases became more common than measles after 2001. The graph does not provide any information about other diseases, so this statement cannot be verified or considered correct.<br />### - **Option B**: This statement suggests that proper hygiene techniques have prevented the spread of measles. While hygiene may play a role in disease prevention, the graph does not provide evidence to support this claim. Additionally, the significant spike in 2014 contradicts the idea that hygiene alone has consistently reduced measles cases.<br />### - **Option C**: This statement highlights the sudden increase in measles cases in 2014. The graph clearly shows a dramatic rise in cases for that year compared to all other years, making this statement accurate.<br />### - **Option D**: This statement claims that vaccination programs reduced measles cases since 2014. However, the graph shows no clear trend of reduction after 2014, as the number of cases in 2015 remains relatively high (slightly below 200). Therefore, this statement is not supported by the data.<br /><br />## Step 3: Select the correct answer<br />### Based on the analysis, the most accurate statement is **Option C**, which correctly identifies the sudden increase in measles cases in 2014.