by Continuing measles The outbreak in central Ohio has sickened 74 children since mid-October and has resulted in 26 hospitalizations so far. Columbus Public Health reported (opens in new tab). No deaths related to the outbreak have been reported.
From 1 January to 8 December 2022, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (opens in new tab) It has received 88 reports of measles cases nationwide, meaning most of them can be attributed to the Ohio epidemic. By comparison, a total of 62 U.S. measles cases were reported to the CDC in 2020 and 2021.
According to Columbus Public Health, 69 of the 74 children who fell ill in the Ohio outbreak had not received any dose of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The health ministry noted that four children received one dose of the two recommended doses, although “some cases may not be suitable for a second dose due to age.” The immunization status of the remaining child is unknown.
this CDC recommends (opens in new tab) where children receive their first dose of MMR between 12 months and 15 months and their second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Alternatively, the MMRV vaccine (which also protects against chickenpox)varicella), can be given following the same vaccination schedule. (If traveling abroad, a child may need to be vaccinated at a younger-than-normal age, the CDC notes.)
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It is estimated that one dose of both vaccines is 93% protective against measles and two doses are 97% protective. This means there is a slim chance The CDC notes that vaccinated people can still be infected, but in these cases, they tend to have milder cases of the disease than unvaccinated people.
In the current outbreak, 51 or 69% of affected children are between 1 and 5 years old. Five of the children are between 6 and 17 years old and 18 are under 1 year old. In general, children younger than 5 years of age are at higher risk of measles-related complications. according to HKM (opens in new tab). These complications include: ear infections, diarrhea, and dehydration, as well as more severe, potentially life-threatening conditions, such as Pneumonia and brain the second is swelling (encephalitis), which can lead to convulsions and changes in hearing ability and cognitive function.
Measles is spread by coughing and sneezing from an infected person, which releases viral particles that can be inhaled or picked up by other people from contaminated surfaces. It’s incredibly contagious virus According to the CDC, it infects an estimated 90% of unvaccinated people who spend time near an infected person, and the virus can remain contagious and airborne for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the room.
Generally, measles symptoms begin one to two weeks after exposure; Initial symptoms include cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Later, white spots known as “Koplik spots” appear in the mouth and a red, blotchy appearance in the mouth. skin The rash that appears on the face spreads to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
“We have no way of knowing which kids will get sick enough to be hospitalized,” said Kelli Newman, spokesperson for Columbus Public Health. told CNN (opens in new tab). “The safest way to protect kids from measles is to make sure they get the MMR vaccine.”
Adults without “probable evidence of immunity” – i.e. MMR vaccination record or blood test results showing they are immune to measles – are also recommended to get at least one dose of the vaccine. CDC states (opens in new tab). Some adults in this group should receive two doses, including students in postsecondary education institutions, healthcare professionals, international travelers, and those who will be in other settings with a high risk of measles transmission.
