Measles Cases, Exposures Reported Across States

Measles cases and potential exposures in several U.S. communities are prompting hospitals and health departments to intensify screening, isolation and contact tracing while urging residents to verify their vaccination status. A person with measles visited Strong Memorial Hospital’s emergency department in Rochester, New York, during a three-hour period, and officials are contacting potentially exposed patients who lack documented immunity and advising them to monitor for symptoms through Sept. 28. Health officials say the two-dose measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is about 97% effective, but declining vaccination rates have fallen below the roughly 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks. Pennsylvania hospitals are placing symptomatic, unvaccinated patients in protective isolation, and officials may recommend an early vaccine dose for infants during outbreaks; doctors emphasize that measles is exceptionally contagious and can cause severe complications. Utah’s outbreak has eased to a few cases a week, but state health officials say any measles case is unacceptable because the disease can cause pneumonia, brain swelling and lasting immune damage. Medical professionals are also encouraging patients to discuss vaccine concerns with trusted clinicians and rely on evidence-based information rather than misinformation.