Measles Outbreaks in U.S. and U.K. Raise Concern Among Health Officials
Measles outbreaks in both the United States and the United Kingdom have raised concerns among health officials. The recent outbreak in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has prompted the state’s health department to track the cases closely. As of January 16, there have been nine confirmed cases of measles in the city. The potential exposure dates range from December 19 to January 7. The health department has listed several addresses, including hospitals and a daycare, where individuals may have been exposed.
While other states in the U.S. have reported positive cases, they have not yet been classified as outbreaks. New Jersey, for example, reported its first confirmed case of measles since March 2023 on January 13. However, the source of the infection has not been confirmed. Virginia’s health department also issued a warning on January 13 regarding potential exposures at Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. An infected person had flown into the state from an overseas trip, highlighting the ease with which measles can spread.
Delaware reported a potential measles exposure at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington on December 29. Up to 30 people may have been exposed to the infected individual. Similarly, two counties in Washington confirmed six cases of measles on January 10, all originating from one family.
The United Kingdom is also grappling with a measles outbreak. Reports indicate that over 1,600 people in England and Wales contracted the highly contagious disease in 2023. This number is significantly higher than the 735 cases reported in 2022 and the 360 cases reported in 2021.
In the United States, there were 1,274 cases of measles reported in 2019, making it the largest number of cases since 1992. The majority of these cases involved individuals who had not been vaccinated against the disease.
Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus, according to Mayo Clinic. It can be serious and even fatal for young children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination to prevent infection. Symptoms of measles include tiny white spots on the inner cheek lining, fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, and large, flat blotches on the skin.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared measles “eliminated” in the U.S. in 2000, which meant that there were no cases for at least 12 months. However, there is concern that this designation may be rescinded if outbreaks continue for more than a year.
Health officials emphasize the importance of monitoring measles cases and remaining vigilant. Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan, an assistant dean and professor at Creighton University School of Medicine, attributes the uptick in cases to a decrease in vaccinations. She warns that measles can quickly spread anywhere due to global travel and a decrease in vaccinations.
Medical providers are urged to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, know how to test for it, and isolate any patients who test positive. It is crucial to contain the disease due to its high contagiousness.
In addition to receiving the MMR vaccination, individuals should seek medical care if they believe they have developed measles. The highest-risk groups include children, immunocompromised individuals, non-immunized individuals, and pregnant women.
As measles outbreaks continue to pose a threat, it is essential for individuals to stay up to date on their vaccinations to boost immunity and prevent further outbreaks.
