Measles Outbreak Continues to Spread at an Alarming Rate
Measles Outbreak Continues to Spread at an Alarming Rate A global measles outbreak that has spread to the United States is showing no signs of slowing. At presstime, 140 cases had been reported in 23 states since January, according to
Measles Outbreak Continues to Spread at an Alarming Rate
A global measles outbreak that has spread to the United States shows no signs of slowing. At presstime, 140 cases had been reported in 23 states since January, according to officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s the highest number for this period since 1996—and more than twice as high as might be expected for the US in an entire year.
The numbers are even more staggering elsewhere. In the World Health Organization’s European Region, 38 countries have noted an increase in measles this year. France is experiencing an outbreak of epidemic proportions, with more than 10,000 cases reported in the in the first half of 2011—including 12 cases resulting in encephalitis, or swelling of brain tissue that can bring neurological damage and even death.
Although vaccination efforts have nearly eliminated “endemic” (or indigenous) transmission in the US, infectious transmissions routinely find their way to these shores via what’s known as measles “importations” from infected individuals traveling here from abroad.
Of the 140 cases in the US, nearly 90% of patients had not received measles vaccinations. This underscores the need for immunization—especially for those considered at high risk, which includes health care professionals. In addition, the widespread outbreaks signal the need for clinicians to follow the most current and stringent infection control protocols set forth by the CDC.
“Health care providers should suspect measles,” the CDC cautions, “in patients with a febrile rash illness and clinically compatible symptoms (eg, cough, coryza, and/or conjunctivitis) who have recently traveled abroad or have had contact with travelers.” Suspected cases should be reported to local health departments immediately.
