CNN – Measles cases are increasing in the United States, with 45 infections reported in 17 states as of March 7, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That’s close to the total of 58 cases documented in the United States in all of 2023.
Globally, a decline in vaccination coverage has contributed to a rise in measles infections and death, the World Health Organization has also noted.
While the US numbers might seem low, measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world, so it’s worth taking a closer look at how it’s spread, the symptoms and why it’s considered dangerous. A vaccine is available, but how effective is it? Do people need additional vaccine doses? And should people avoid areas that have active measles cases?
To find out answers, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, who is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University.
“Measles can be fatal. According to the World Health Organization, 136,000 people — mostly children — died from measles in 2022.”
CNN: What is measles, and what are its symptoms?
Dr. Leana Wen: Measles is an infection caused by a virus, and health experts consider it to be one of the most contagious diseases in the world. The respiratory virus transmits through droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected people, which can land directly on someone else’s nose or mouth or be spread through touching contaminated surfaces.
Viral aerosols can linger in the air for as long as two hours after an infected person has left the area.
Symptoms of measles include high fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis, also called pink eye. People can develop spots inside their mouth, followed by a reddish rash that typically starts on the face and then spreads down their body …
Migrants in Chicago now required to get measles vaccines, some get shelter stay extension
Chicago Department of Public Health has confirmed 12 measles cases since last Friday
CHICAGO (CBS) — The City of Chicago now requires migrants staying at shelters to get MMR vaccines that protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.
The move comes after an outbreak of measles cases among multiple migrants housed in city shelters.
The city is also prioritizing six shelters to get to a 95% vaccination rate by the end of this weekend.
On the verge of being moved out of shelters throughout Chicago, the city said that thanks to availability, some migrant families in a shelter will receive three 30-day extensions through June 10.
CBS 2 has learned that 30 people will be evicted on Sunday …
