Discover the latest updates on the CDC's warning to health care workers about the increasing number of measles cases. Learn about the global threat, the importance of vaccination, and the steps being taken to combat this contagious disease.
In a recent development that has sent ripples through the healthcare community, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning to clinicians to remain vigilant for measles cases due to a growing number of infections.
Between December 1, 2023, and January 23, 2024, there have been 23 confirmed cases of measles, including seven cases from international travelers and two outbreaks with five or more infections each. These cases have been reported in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Washington, D.C. area.
Most of these cases were among children and adolescents who had not been vaccinated against measles, despite being eligible. The CDC states that most measles cases in the U.S. occur when unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Americans travel internationally, contract the disease, and then spread it to those who are unvaccinated upon their return.
The federal health agency has expressed concern over the increase in cases in the U.S., stating that it reflects a global rise in infections and that there is a "growing global threat". This has led to an urgent call for healthcare providers to be on alert for patients who have febrile rash illness and symptoms consistent with measles.
If health care workers suspect a patient has measles, the CDC advises that the patient should be isolated immediately for at least four days from when symptoms appear and local or state health departments should be notified. The patient should then be tested, post-exposure prophylaxis should be provided to close contacts, and all contacts who are not up to date on their measles vaccinations should be vaccinated.
Measles is a highly contagious disease, with the CDC stating that every individual infected by the virus can spread it to up to 10 close contacts if they are unprotected, including not wearing a mask or not being vaccinated. Complications from measles can range from relatively benign, such as rashes, to much more severe, such as viral sepsis, pneumonia, or brain swelling.
The CDC emphasizes that anybody who either had measles at some point in their life or who has received two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is protected against measles. One dose of the measles vaccine is 93% effective at preventing infection if exposed to the virus, and two doses are 97% effective.
In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S., thanks to a highly effective vaccination campaign, but outbreaks have popped over the last few years in unvaccinated pockets of the country. This recent surge in cases serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of this contagious disease.
As the CDC continues to monitor the situation closely, it is crucial for healthcare providers and the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of measles. The fight against measles is a collective effort, and every vaccination counts.