US Measles Cases Nearing 1,200 as Outbreaks Subside
Table of Contents
The U.S. has recorded fewer than 30 measles cases this week, as health officials in Ohio confirm that three outbreaks across two counties have ended.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on friday that there have been 1,197 confirmed measles cases this year. Texas health officials confirmed two cases in the last week, where the nation’s largest outbreak occurred during the late winter and spring.
There are three other major outbreaks in North America. The most prolonged outbreak, in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in 2,083 cases from mid-October through June 10. The province reported its first death on june 5 in a baby who had congenital measles and other preexisting conditions.
Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has sickened 868 as of Thursday. The Mexican state of Chihuahua reported 2,179 measles cases and four deaths as of Friday, according to data from the state health ministry.
Other U.S. states with active outbreaks-defined by the CDC as three or more related cases-include Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oklahoma.
In the U.S., two elementary school-aged children in the epicenter in West Texas and an adult in New Mexico have died of measles this year. all were unvaccinated.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious, airborne virus that spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. Preventable through vaccines, it had been considered eliminated from the U.S. as 2000.
Measles Outbreak in Texas
“less than 1% of cases-fewer than 10-are actively infectious”
State health officials reported on tuesday that there are 744 total cases across 35 counties, primarily in West Texas.
Throughout the outbreak, 96 people have been hospitalized.
State health officials estimated that less than 1% of cases-fewer than 10-are actively infectious.Fifty-five percent of Texas’ cases are in Gaines County, where the virus began spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has had 411 cases since late January-just under 2% of the county’s residents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Measles
- What are the symptoms of measles?
- Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body (CDC).
- How is measles spread?
- Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is highly contagious, and the virus can live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room (CDC).
- How can measles be prevented?
- Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles (CDC).
- Is there a treatment for measles?
- There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. This may include rest, fluids, and medications to reduce fever (CDC).
