Measles outbreak sparks concern across several US states: Health officials alarmed as cases emerge

Representation for rashes caused by measles | Credits: Shutterstock
Representation for rashes caused by measles | Credits: Shutterstock

United States: Health officials have raised worries and concerns about the measles outbreaks across the nation.

Concerns have been raised after many states in the US have registered cases related to measles. It is to be noted that certain reports have suggested that the first measles case was registered in Philadelphia, where the count has reached up to nine (9) as of data shared on January 16.

The local health officials of Philadelphia have outlined that potentially the exposure happened between December 19, 2023, and January 7, 2024.

Several addresses have been listed by the health department, which showed that the infected people were maybe exposed at various hospitals and daycares.

To date, many other US states have also reported positive cases, but they have not declared outbreaks.

Which US states reportedly registered measles-related cases?

Georgia: 

The health officials of Georgia have mentioned that they have reported a confirmed case of measles on January 17, 2024. The infection has been detected in a metro Atlanta resident. This case is the first-ever since the year 2020.

The identity of the infected individual has not been revealed by the officials; however, they have underlined that the individual was unvaccinated and got exposed to the virus while traveling out of the country, according to Fox News.

New Jersey:

The health officials of New Jersey confirmed the first-ever measles case since March 2023 on January 13, 2024. However, the authorities are not aware of the source of the infection.

An official statement by the health officials read, “No direct link has been identified to the ongoing measles outbreak in Philadelphia,” according to the reports by Fox News.

Virginia: 

On January 13, 2024, the Virginia Health Department also confirmed cases related to measles following a potential exposure at Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Expectedly, the exposure was held between January 3 and January 4, 2024.

The health authorities have further underlined that it is possible that the infected person traveled from state to state after an overseas trip. While briefing the public on the effect of the infectious disease, the health experts highlighted, “Measles is extremely contagious and needs to be contained.”

State of Delaware:

Additionally, on January 11, the health authorities of the state of Delaware reported measles exposure at the Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington. The exposure was expected to be registered on December 29, 2023. The health officials have mentioned that the infected person was responsible for infecting nearly 30 persons.

Washington: 

On January 10, two counties in Washington confirmed six (6) cases of measles, according to the health department. Surprisingly, all reported cases were found in one family.  

Roots of Measles in the United States!

According to the data shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States reported around 1,274 cases of measles in 2019. Reportedly, the number was the largest since 1992.

Visual Representation for Measles Virus | Credits: Science Photo Library

The majority of the cases were found among the unvaccinated population, according to health officials.

It is to be noted that in the year 2000, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that measles had been ‘eliminated’ from the United States, which showed that the nation had not reported any cases for at least 12 months.

Amid the current surge of measle cases in the US, health officials are worried that WHO could rescind that designation.

Vaccination could be a savior: Experts

Health officials have urged the general public to get vaccinated against measles. Additionally, the CDC has underlined that eligible people must receive measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination to safeguard themselves against the disease.

The official website of CDC mentioned, “Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age,” adding, “Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination. Two MMR vaccines are available for use in the United States, M-M-R II, and PRIORIX,” according to Fox News.

Vaccine dose for Measles, Mumps and Rubella | Credits: Google Images

Additionally, the assistant dean and professor at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha and MD – Renuga Vivekanandan, mentioned, “It is important to monitor measles cases and be vigilant,” while having a conversation with Fox News Digital.

Additionally, health experts have raised concerns after witnessing a decrease in vaccinations.

Dr Vivekanandan mentioned, “Overall, there has been vaccination hesitancy since the pandemic, with a decrease in vaccinations among children who can develop complications from measles, in addition to significant bad outcomes, such as meningitis.”

“Staying up to date on the MMR vaccine can boost immunity and help prevent outbreaks,” she added, according to Fox News.

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