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Second measles case reported in NYC as Texas outbreak continues

Second measles case reported in NYC as Texas outbreak continues

USA, Featured1 week ago3 Views

Because the measles outbreak continues to unfold in Texas, instances have been reported in New Jersey in addition to a second case in New York Metropolis.

The New York Metropolis Division of Well being mentioned that one further case of measles has been reported in New York Metropolis.

“As a pediatrician and the State’s physician, I wish to remind everybody that immunization is protected and the perfect safety to your kids towards measles and different probably lethal ailments,” State Well being Commissioner Dr. James McDonald mentioned in a press launch.

A primary case was reported in New York Metropolis earlier this yr, however performing commissioner of the New York Metropolis Well being Division Dr. Michelle Morse instructed USA TODAY in a press release that the 2 reported instances are unrelated.

“For every case, our company conducts routine case and call investigation and we guarantee correct follow-ups for uncovered individuals. Measles is very contagious and might be lethal,” Morse mentioned.

In 2024, 14 instances had been reported within the metropolis by the New York Metropolis Division of Well being.

Measles outbreak reported in different states

The reported instances in New York come as three instances have been reported in neighboring New Jersey. Based on the state’s Division of Well being, the people who’ve examined optimistic for measles have been positioned in quarantine.

In Texas, practically 150 measles instances have been reported since late January. Based on the Texas Division of State Well being Companies, 146 instances had been reported as of final Friday.

One loss of life was reported final week, marking it as the primary measles loss of life within the U.S. since 2015, in line with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. The loss of life was of a school-age youngster in Lubbock, Texas, Zach Holbrooks, public well being director and govt director of the South Plains Public Well being District, mentioned in an electronic mail.

RFK Jr. asks mother and father to contemplate measles vaccine

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s high well being official, requested mother and father to contemplate measles vaccinations for his or her kids however didn’t outright recommend them.

Referring to the lethal outbreak as a “name to motion,” Kennedy wrote in an opinion piece printed Sunday on Fox Information Digital that oldsters ought to seek the advice of with physicians concerning the MMR vaccine, which additionally covers mumps and rubella.

“The choice to vaccinate is a private one,” Kennedy wrote. “Vaccines not solely shield particular person kids from measles but in addition contribute to group immunity, defending those that are unable to be vaccinated because of medical causes.”

How does measles unfold?

The measles virus is very contagious. Unfold primarily by droplets launched by coughing or sneezing, measles can stay in a room and on surfaces for as much as two hours after an contaminated individual leaves, in line with the CDC. An individual who’s contagious can infect as many as 18 others. Individuals are contagious even earlier than they present signs, which embrace the telltale signal of a rash.

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is very efficient at stopping measles. The complete two-dose collection is 97% efficient towards the virus, and only one shot offers 93% safety.

About one-fifth of unvaccinated individuals who contract measles require hospitalization, in line with the CDC. One in 20 kids who get contaminated find yourself with pneumonia, which is the commonest reason behind loss of life in kids. About 1 in 1,000 kids with measles can develop encephalitis, or mind irritation, which might trigger deafness, convulsions or mental disabilities.

One to three of each 1,000 kids contaminated die of measles due to respiratory or neurologic problems, the CDC mentioned.

Contributing: Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy and Eric Lagatta

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending information reporter for USA TODAY. Attain him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and comply with him on X @fern_cerv_.