The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued its weekly update, revealing a total of 42 new measles cases in the United States. This increase is attributed to a significant outbreak centered in West Texas, alongside other cases linked to community transmission and international travel. As of now, the national total of measles infections has reached 1,088.
This week, two additional states, Iowa and Nebraska, reported their first measles cases, bringing the total number of affected jurisdictions to 33. The CDC noted that the number of ongoing outbreaks remains at 14, with a staggering 90% of cases connected to these outbreaks. Alarmingly, 96% of patients affected by measles are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status, with cases spread fairly evenly among children under 5, school-age children, and adults aged 20 and older.
In light of the rising cases, the CDC has updated its measles travel advisory. The advisory emphasizes that measles cases are increasing globally, urging all international travelers to ensure they are fully vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This includes an early vaccination dose for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) reported an additional 9 cases linked to the West Texas measles outbreak, raising the total number of cases in the region to 738 since January. Although 35 counties have reported cases tied to this outbreak, only 7 counties currently have ongoing transmission. Texas continues to document measles cases from various sources that are not associated with the larger outbreak, with 8 more cases reported today, bringing the total from these independent sources to 32.
While Texas is at the forefront of the outbreak, other states are also experiencing cases linked to West Texas activity. However, no new measles cases were reported in New Mexico or Oklahoma. Meanwhile, Kansas reported a cumulative total of 64 cases across 11 counties, with 59 of those cases connected to an outbreak in the southwestern part of the state.
In a separate incident, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) confirmed three cases of measles among individuals who were on the same Turkish Airlines flight that arrived in Denver on May 13. The latest confirmed patient is a vaccinated adult from Arapahoe County, while the two previously reported cases included an out-of-state traveler who was infectious during the flight and a child from Arapahoe County who was likely exposed on the same flight. It is crucial to note that measles is highly infectious and can linger in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person has left the area.
Additionally, health officials in Montana have reported a second measles case in Flathead County, involving an individual who had traveled outside the state. The health department in Gallatin County has also confirmed two community cases, in addition to an earlier family cluster, bringing the total number of cases in the area to 10.
The ongoing rise in measles cases highlights the importance of vaccination and public health awareness in preventing outbreaks. As the CDC continues to monitor the situation, it is essential for individuals, especially travelers, to stay informed and vaccinated.
