– Measles case count rises to 41 across 16 states, CDC reports
At least 41 measles cases have been reported in 16 states in the US since the beginning of the year, sparking concerns about a potential outbreak. The latest state to be affected is Michigan, with one travel-related case confirmed in Oakland County. Florida has also seen a surge in measles cases, with nine confirmed cases in Broward County due to an outbreak at an elementary school in Weston.
The increase in measles cases is troubling as it approaches the total number of cases recorded last year. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) has expressed alarm at the rising number of measles outbreaks in the US. Falling vaccination rates and increased travel are believed to be contributing factors to the spike in cases.
Experts recommend that children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in two doses for protection. Despite this recommendation, only about 92% of US children have received the MMR vaccine by age 2, below the federal target of 95%. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to complications and even death, with at least 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who contract measles being hospitalized.
The last significant measles outbreak in the US occurred in 2018-19 in Rockland County, New York, with 1,274 cases reported in 31 states, marking the highest number since 1992. Health officials are urging the public to ensure that their vaccinations are up to date to prevent further spread of the highly contagious disease.
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