According to the CDC measles cases in the US are on the rise and they have almost surpassed 2023’s total. As per reports, CDC has confirmed that 64 measles cases have been reported by 17 jurisdictions ( Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois being among the top). 58 cases were reported in the US in 2023 which proves that this year, the disease is already taking a spike within the first months.
A health advisory was issued by the CDC on March 18. Its main purpose was to alert people especially children and international tourists about the increase in global and US cases so that they can get vaccinated beforehand.
Health advisers say that measles is highly contagious and if one is infected with it, they can spread it to 9 others with whom they might come into close contact. Cases that were reported were linked to international travel and children aged 12 months and older who were yet to receive measles vaccine. Countries like Austria , the Philippines, Romania and the UK are dealing with measles outbreaks as well. Even though the cases are concerning, due to high population immunity against measles in the US, the risk of spreading the disease is quite low. Some communities are at risk for an outbreak if they have a low coverage of vaccination people.
Parents are recommended to talk to their paediatricians about vaccination since they can help recognize the right pathway for getting the vaccine. Some believe that the COVID vaccination has proved to be quite effective in preventing the disease and this will be the same with measles if caution is taken at the right time.
Measles is a viral respiratory disease and can lead to severe health complications like pneumonia, encephalitis and even death. Measles is an airborne virus that typically affects children ages 5 and younger, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease usually begins when the infected person develops a fever, cough, runny nose or pink eye for a few days before they get a rash. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever can range from 10 to 12 days and the rashes might be visible around 15 days post initial exposure.
