Measles Outbreak Spreads Across U.S. with Increasing Number of Cases
The United States is currently facing a growing measles outbreak, with cases continuing to emerge in various states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an emergency warning on January 25, after confirming 23 cases in multiple states between December 1, 2023, and January 23, 2024. Since then, the number of affected states has increased, with at least 18 more infections reported.
Although the total case count remains relatively low, at under 50, health officials are urging increased vigilance due to the highly contagious nature of the virus. In fact, 90% of unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with the virus end up contracting it. Furthermore, 1 in 5 of those infected individuals end up hospitalized, according to the CDC.
The latest data from the CDC, updated as of February 29, reveals a total of 41 confirmed cases spread across 16 states. However, it’s important to note that some state health departments have reported additional cases between CDC tracking updates. Here is a breakdown of the states reporting measles cases:
– Arizona: Two cases in Maricopa County
– California: One case in Los Angeles County
– Florida: Ten cases in Broward and Polk counties
– Georgia: One case in the Atlanta Metro area
– Indiana: One case in Lake County
– Louisiana: Two cases in the Greater New Orleans area
– Maryland: One case in Montgomery County
– Michigan: Three cases in Washtenaw and Oakland counties
– Minnesota: Three cases in Dakota County
– Missouri: One case in Clay County
– New Jersey: One case in Camden County
– New York: Two cases in NYC
– Ohio: One case in Montgomery County
– Pennsylvania: Nine confirmed cases (eight in Philadelphia and one outside of that area)
– Virginia: One case in Loudoun County
– Washington: Six cases in Clark and Wahkiakum counties
This recent outbreak follows a major measles outbreak in 2019, during which a total of 1,249 cases and 22 outbreaks were reported in the United States between January 1 and October 1. This was the second-highest number of reported outbreaks since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, and the highest in a single year since 1992. The majority of these cases originated from an outbreak in New York City, with 89% of patients being unvaccinated or having an unknown vaccination status.
Measles can be prevented through the administration of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children typically receive their first dose between the ages of 12 and 15 months, with a second dose given between ages 4 and 6. The vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles when both doses are administered. However, the CDC notes that even individuals who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine still have a 3% chance of contracting measles if exposed to the virus. Fortunately, if vaccinated individuals do contract the virus, they usually experience milder symptoms and are less likely to spread the disease to others.
Symptoms of measles typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus and include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and a reddish-brown rash that can spread across the entire body. Koplik spots, tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin, are also a characteristic sign of measles. Additionally, small raised bumps may develop on top of the flat red spots as they spread from the head to the rest of the body. In some cases, the fever may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit when the rash appears.
As the measles outbreak continues to spread across the United States, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed, follow vaccination guidelines, and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms associated with the virus. Public health officials are working diligently to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission. By prioritizing vaccination and maintaining awareness, we can collectively combat this highly contagious disease and protect the health of our communities.
