The US is grappling with its worst measles outbreak in years.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,001 cases across 31 areas nationwide.
This is the first time in five years that the number of cases has surpassed 1,000.
The CDC’s latest figures don’t include the latest data from Texas.
There, the outbreak has been centered, with 709 cases reported so far – including seven new ones.
Researchers warn that the US may be on the verge of a measles resurgence.
The disease was declared eliminated over 25 years ago.
The last time the US saw over 1,000 cases was in 2019, when 1,274 people were infected.
Outbreak Details
Dr. Lisa Maragakis, senior director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins Hospital, cautions that the US remains at risk of seeing case numbers continue to rise.
The CDC reports that 13% of this year’s cases required hospitalization.
Three deaths have been reported: two girls in Texas and one adult in New Mexico.
All three were unvaccinated.
The outbreak in Texas started in a Menonite community and has since spread to neighboring states, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
North Dakota has also reported an outbreak, with nine cases and around 180 students sent home.
Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, describes measles as “the most contagious virus that infects humans.”
He warns that the actual number of cases may be higher than reported, as some people may not seek medical attention.
Concerns and Challenges
Pediatricians and infectious disease experts in the US are concerned that efforts to control measles are being hampered by a lack of government-led vaccination campaigns.
Misinformation about treatments is also confusing parents.
The measles vaccine is 97% effective if given in two doses, as recommended by the CDC.
Source: channelnewsasia