Measles outbreak spreads across the U.S. What to know about the highly contagious disease

Marley Malenfant , Austin American-Statesman

A disease that was declared eradicated more than two decades ago is creeping back in the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that as of February 22, 2024, a total of 35 Measles cases were reported by 15 jurisdictions in the following states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.

Texas hasn’t reported any cases, but here’s what to be aware of:

What is measles?

Measles — also called rubeola — is highly contagious and can be serious and even fatal for small children. While death rates have been falling worldwide as more children receive the measles vaccine, the disease still kills more than 200,000 people a year, mostly children, according to Mayo Clinic.org.

Is there a vaccine for Measles?

There is a vaccine. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated with two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine according to their immunization schedule. It’s ideal that children between 12-15 months get their first dose followed by a second dose at 4-6 years old.

Dr. Linda Yancey, infectious disease specialist at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas, said the spread of measles has been sporadic.

“Over the last decade and a half, we saw an irregular but overall increase in the number of cases,” she told TODAY.

Is there a risk for travelers?

Measles cases have recently risen in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Health, Manatee Bay Elementary in Weston, Florida, part of Broward County, first reported that a third grader with no history of travel was sick with the virus on Friday, Feb. 16. Since then, that number has increased to at least six cases.

If people are traveling, the CDC recommends that people get protected against measles before departure, no matter the destination.

Why are Measles cases rising in the U.S.?

The CDC mentioned that the decline in measles vaccination rates globally increases the risk of larger measles outbreaks worldwide. It’s been estimated that over 61 million doses of measles vaccines were either postponed or missed from 2020 to 2022 due to the pandemic.

Measles symptoms

The first symptoms of measles last two to three days and are non-specific and mild. Here’s what to pay attention to if an unvaccinated child or person is feeling ill:

  • Cough

  • Runny nose

  • Itchy, watery eyes

  • A high fever

  • Small white spots (Koplik's spots) inside the inner lining of the cheek.

  • A red rash, usually three to five days after the first symptoms develop. It looks like small raised bumps that erupt on the face and near the hairline giving a "splotchy red appearance," then spread down to the rest of the body.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Measles outbreak: 35 cases reported so far in the U.S. Is Texas next?

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