- READ MORE: RFK Jr.'s surprising shift on MMR vaccine following measles outbreak
The United States is poised to experience its most lethal measles outbreak in over two decades, with cases surging to an all-time peak during the initial three months of this year.
So far, there have been 712 confirmed measles The latest CDC data reveals cases reported by 25 jurisdictions.
The last instance of the disease being so prevalent in the US occurred in 2019, with 1,274 cases documented throughout the year.
Before that, the largest outbreak occurred in 1990, with cases rising above 27,000.
At present, the impacted states include: Alaska , Arkansas , California , Colorado , Florida , Georgia, Hawaii , Indiana , Kansas , Kentucky Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
Out of these cases, seventy-five percent occurred in children younger than 19 years old.
The data indicates that 97 percent of the patients were not been vaccinated versus the virus, with one percent having received just a single dose.
The largest numbers of cases have been recorded in Texas and New Mexico, with Kansas and Ohio experiencing an increasing number of reports as well.
There have now been two confirmed fatalities due to measles, both cases involve unvaccinated children of school age in Texas; additionally, a death in New Mexico is still under examination. These represent the first such casualties since 2015.
Measles spreads through direct contact with infectious particles or via airborne transmission when an infected individual exhales, coughs, or sneezes.
The illness leads to small white lesions within the mouth, smooth red patches on the neck, torso, limbs, and soles of the feet, along with ear infections and a high fever.
In severe instances, measles might result in pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and could potentially be fatal.
Health officials say Travelers ought to keep an eye out for symptoms, which typically appear between seven to 21 days following exposure.
Typically, cold-like indications like a fever, cough, and a runny or stuffy nose are the initial signs of measles prior to the emergence of a rash.
Individuals who have remained asymptomatic for over 21 days (until March 11) should no longer pose a risk.
Doctors in Texas 'rural communities are primarily handling measles cases for the very first time.'
Bills have been put up around the county alerting about the outbreak, and pamphlets have been distributed.
Several individuals are also using local WhatsApp groups to encourage others to verify they are current with their vaccinations.
Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000 as part of an effective vaccination initiative.
The CDC characterizes reaching measles elimination status in the U.S. as a 'landmark accomplishment in public health.'
However, over time, the viral infection has resurfaced, leading to intermittent outbreaks after a decline in vaccination levels.
This illness stands as the most contagious disease identified, where an infected individual can transmit the pathogen to up to nine additional persons when in a confined space with ten other individuals.
About 40 percent of patients are hospitalized in the US, while about three in 1,000 die from the disease after suffering from deadly brain swelling.
Measles spreads through direct interaction with respiratory droplets expelled into the atmosphere by infected individuals when they cough, sneeze, or simply breathe.
Infectious droplets may remain suspended in the air for approximately two hours, and symptoms typically appear between seven to fourteen days after being infected.
Patients experience symptoms such as a fever, cough, and a runny nose, followed by the appearance of a rash starting from the hairline and subsequently spreading to the neck, torso, limbs, and feet.
There is no specific treatment for measles; physicians typically address associated bacterial infections with antibiotics and provide hydration through intravenous fluids.
The MMR vaccine proves 97 percent effective in protecting against measles, and it’s mandatory for kids attending school; however, certain states permit exemptions due to religious beliefs.
Throughout the nation, the share of The number of children requesting exemptions has increased. Over the last ten years, this figure has risen from 0.76 percent in 2014 to 3.3 percent for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The CDC reported that in 2024, vaccination rates among kindergarteners dropped across all vaccines, with the MMR vaccine dropping to a rate of 93%.
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