Los Angeles County, Suffolk County in New York, and Howard County in Maryland have reported confirmed cases of measles this year, raising alarms among health officials as the outbreak continues to grow. This comes at the same time as Texas experiences a surge of over 200 cases of the highly infectious disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged health-care workers and travelers to remain vigilant, particularly as the spring and summer travel seasons approach.
In Los Angeles County, health officials confirmed a case in a resident who may have been exposed on a recent flight. The New York State Department of Health also reported the first case of measles this year outside New York City, involving a child under five in Suffolk County. Meanwhile, Howard County officials confirmed a case from a resident who traveled abroad.
Although Oklahoma reported two potential measles cases, these individuals were recognized for promptly self-isolating to prevent potential spread.
‘With measles outbreaks occurring both domestically and internationally, this underlines the importance of vaccination,’ stated Muntu Davis, the health officer for Los Angeles County. ‘Measles spreads easily through the air and can be transmitted before symptoms appear.’
Across the border, Canada has also reported at least 146 confirmed measles cases this year, indicating a broader geographic concern.
The alarm has centered on Texas, especially regarding lower vaccination rates in certain communities, leading to more than 223 cases since January, with the majority unvaccinated. New Mexico’s health department reported 33 cases, primarily in border communities, emphasizing how crucial vaccination is to prevent outbreaks.
In light of these developments, the CDC reiterated the urgency for health-care professionals to monitor for symptoms and ensure vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.
Measles, particularly dangerous for children under five, can lead to severe complications, yet remains preventable through vaccination. Despite the disease being declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, recent declines in vaccination rates pose significant risks for potential outbreaks.
As of March 6 this year, about 94% of confirmed measles cases involved unvaccinated individuals. It remains vital for communities to reach or maintain vaccination rates of at least 95% to protect against outbreaks.
Lena H. Sun contributed to this report.
Comments are closed