Authorities have confirmed two measles cases in the Rochester area in New York as well as in the Portland area in Oregon. There is so far no greater risk to the public in both cases.
Measles In Oregon
Authorities in Oregon confirmed a measles case in an individual who might have spent time in The Dalles and Hood River between Dec. 26 and Dec. 31, 2018, when the individual was still infectious. Evidently, the individual was admitted to a hospital in the Portland area last Jan. 2, and measles was confirmed by the next day, Jan. 3.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as well as local health authorities are monitoring the case, although for the time being they see no further threat relating to this case. They further state that most Oregonians are fortunately immunized against measles, so the risk is particularly low except for unvaccinated individuals. Others who may be more at risk are pregnant, infants below 12 months old, and those who have compromised immune systems.
The specific locations and times of possible exposure are listed in the OHA website.
Measles In Rochester
Similarly, authorities in the Rochester area also confirmed the measles case of an unvaccinated toddler who likely got the illness from a recent international travel. As a result, family members who may have been exposed to the child have already been vaccinated.
Furthermore, authorities are confident that they have already reached out to anyone who may have come in contact with the child, including the staff at the urgent care facility in which the child was diagnosed.
Measles In The United States
Measles was actually considered eradicated in the United States in 2002. However, it is still brought into the country through unvaccinated American and foreign travelers. In fact, there were 292 measles cases in the United States in the first 10 months of 2018, which is a significant increase from the 120 cases in 2017, and the 86 cases in 2016.
