The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerts clinicians to the measle resurgence across the country.
The CDC is warning healthcare providers to be vigilant and remain alert against measles due to the growing number of cases.
The agency stated that there have been 23 confirmed cases of measles, including 7 cases from international travelers and two outbreaks with five or more infections each.
New cases have been reported in several states, such as Washington, D.C., Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Measle Resurgence Grips the Nation: CDC Reports Surge
The CDC's recent communication reveals a notable resurgence of measles, with 23 confirmed cases across the United States during the specified timeframe.
This measles surge includes seven cases directly attributed to international travelers and two distinct outbreaks, each involving more than five individuals.
Health officials express heightened concern, particularly as most reported cases involve children and adolescents who, despite being eligible, have not received the measles-containing vaccine.
The CDC underscores the urgent need for healthcare providers to stay vigilant and swiftly identify patients exhibiting febrile rash illnesses, especially those with a recent history of international travel.
The CDC attributes the surge in measles cases to an increase in importations, primarily from unvaccinated or undervaccinated U.S. residents traveling internationally.
This trend highlights a growing global threat, with the CDC underscoring the need for healthcare providers to ensure patients are up-to-date on measles vaccinations, particularly before international travel.
As a part of the urgent recommendations, the CDC advises clinicians to adhere to standard and airborne precautions when evaluating suspected cases, irrespective of the patients' vaccination status.
Testing protocols include collecting nasopharyngeal or throat swabs for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and blood specimens for serology.
The agency also states that the measles surge nowadays is not just limited to the country but also internationally and is little by little becoming a global threat.
Read Also: Breakthrough RSV Vaccines for Infants, Seniors Face Uneven Uptake Amidst Supply Chain Woes
Protecting Against Measles: Key Recommendations for Clinicians
Healthcare providers are recommended to be alert with patients who have measles-like symptoms and those who have recently traveled abroad, especially to countries with ongoing measles cases.
The CDC alert also includes recommendations for clinicians. Healthcare providers are reminded to isolate patients who they suspect are infected with measles.
Furthermore, to effectively manage potential outbreaks, healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to administer appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to close contacts without evidence of immunity.
The choice between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or immunoglobulin depends on the elapsed time from exposure or medical contraindications to vaccination.
Ensuring that all patients are up-to-date on measles vaccination is paramount, especially for those planning international travel.
The CDC underscores that one dose of the measles vaccine is 93% effective, while two doses provide 97% efficacy.
This resurgence serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent the reemergence of once-controlled diseases.
In the face of this measles resurgence, healthcare providers play a pivotal role in implementing the CDC's recommendations swiftly, safeguarding communities from further spread, and mitigating the potential impact on public health.
Related Article: Child Tax Credit Boost Unlocks Potential $680 Savings, Will Monthly Payments Return?
