The number of measles cases in the United States surpassed 1,000 on Friday, with Texas reporting one of its lowest counts of newly confirmed cases since the large outbreak began three months ago. Texas remains the state with the highest number of cases, accounting for 709 confirmed cases as of Friday, with the outbreak also spreading to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas. In West Texas, two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children and an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico have died from measles-related illnesses.
Other states with active outbreaks, defined by the CDC as three or more related cases, include Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. North America is also facing two other ongoing outbreaks with the same measles strain – Ontario, Canada has reported 1,440 cases from mid-October through May 6, while the Mexican state of Chihuahua has recorded 1,041 cases and one death as of Friday.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious airborne virus that spreads easily through respiratory droplets. It is preventable through vaccines and was considered eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Health experts are concerned about the potential for continued spread of the virus in communities with low vaccination rates, possibly lasting for a year.
In Texas, there are a total of 709 cases across 29 counties, predominantly in West Texas. Most cases are in Gaines County, where the virus spread within an undervaccinated community. New Mexico has reported a total of 71 cases, with the majority in Lea County. Oklahoma has 14 confirmed and three probable cases, while Kansas has 48 cases across eight counties in the southwestern part of the state. Indiana and other states are also experiencing measles outbreaks.
It is crucial to understand the severity of the situation and take preventive measures to combat the spread of measles in the U.S.
Michigan has nine confirmed cases of measles, including an outbreak of four connected cases in Montcalm County. These cases are linked to the Ontario outbreak.
Montana has a total of eight measles cases, with three new cases reported in the last two weeks. The outbreak in Montana began in Gallatin County, marking the state’s first measles cases in 35 years. Health officials have not confirmed any link to other outbreaks in North America.
North Dakota has nine confirmed cases of measles, all located in Williams County on the Montana border. Three cases are linked to an unvaccinated child who was believed to have contracted the illness from an out-of-state visitor. The other five cases are not connected to each other, raising concerns about community transmission.
Ohio has reported 34 measles cases and one hospitalization among Ohio residents. The state is experiencing outbreaks in Ashtabula County and Knox County, with 16 and 20 cases respectively. Several other counties have reported single cases as well.
Pennsylvania has a total of 15 measles cases, including international travel-related cases in Montgomery County and Philadelphia. Erie County declared an outbreak in late April with eight cases.
Tennessee has six measles cases in the middle part of the state, with at least three cases linked to each other. The state has not disclosed whether the cases are connected to other outbreaks or when the outbreak in Tennessee began.
Measles cases have also been reported in several other states across the U.S., including Alaska, Arkansas, California, and many more. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases of measles, raising concerns about the disease’s resurgence.
To prevent measles, it is recommended to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children should receive their first shot between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old. Adults can also receive an additional MMR shot if needed for continued immunity.
The agency recommends that individuals who received an ineffective measles vaccine before 1968 made from “killed” virus should receive at least one dose of a new vaccine. Those with documentation of having had measles are considered immune, while individuals born before 1957 typically do not require vaccination due to a high likelihood of having developed immunity from previous exposure. Measles is less likely to spread in communities with vaccination rates over 95%, a phenomenon known as “herd immunity.” However, national childhood vaccination rates have declined amidst the pandemic, with more parents seeking waivers for religious or personal reasons.
Symptoms of measles include a high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and a rash that typically appears three to five days after initial symptoms. The rash begins as flat red spots on the face and spreads downward to the body. The fever can spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit when the rash appears. While most children recover from measles, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death.
There is no specific treatment for measles, so medical professionals focus on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and ensuring patient comfort.
