As the measles epidemic continues to spread in Texas where the first death of an unvaccinated school-age child was reported a few days ago, three more cases of measles have also been reported in New Jersey, in Bergen County, across from New York City. The outbreak started with an unvaccinated child who infected his parents, none of whom were vaccinated. In addition to the 146 cases in Texas and New Mexico, new cases have also been reported in Alaska, California, Georgia, Rhode Island, and now New Jersey.
Meanwhile, health officials in New York are urging parents to vaccinate their children against measles and advising health care providers to test for positivity to the disease if patients present with symptoms such as high fever or rash.
In Kentucky, the Department of Public Health (KDPH) and the Franklin County Health Department announced Wednesday a case of measles in an adult-aged resident. This would be the first case of measles to occur in an adult patient in the state in two years. According to what Kentucky health officials told the media, the man was returning from a trip abroad. As a precautionary measure, health officials are reaching out to anyone who may have come in contact with the infected person.
As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control CDC points out, measles is an airborne, extremely contagious disease that can be especially dangerous for infants, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Those who contract it can face serious and even life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, blindness, and brain swelling.
“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world,” KDPH Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said in a statement. “Fortunately, it can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Vaccines are an essential tool to keep children and adults safe and healthy.”
The CDC currently recommends that people receive two doses of vaccine, the first between 12 and 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years. One dose is 93 percent effective, and two doses are 97 percent effective. Most vaccinated adults, they point out, do not need a booster.
However, with the Trump administration’s new policies and with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. notoriously opposed to vaccines and currently heading the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a measles vaccination campaign may not be encouraged.
