Health departments in Minnesota and California have reported new measles cases, part of a record rise in cases since the United States achieved elimination status in 2000.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has recorded three new cases, pushing the state’s total to eight for the year. An MDH official said the three new cases involve unvaccinated children ages 5 to 17 years old from the same family in Dakota County, CBS News Minnesota reported. Dakota County is part of the Twin Cities metro area.
In California, the Orange County Health Care Agency yesterday announced a confirmed infection in a toddler who recently traveled domestically. Health officials said they are notifying people who may have been exposed to the virus in healthcare settings but added that no other community exposure is expected, given that the child’s family isolated during the contagious period.
New Mexico declares end to measles outbreak
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDH) on September 26 declared that the state’s measles outbreak, which began on February 14, is over. The state’s last cases were reported from Santa Fe County on August 14.
The state recorded 100 cases, marking New Mexico’s first measles outbreak since 1996. The outbreak began in Lea County, which bordered the West Texas hot spot. New Mexico also had an outbreak at a correctional facility in Deming.
The NMDH said that more than 56,000 people were immunized with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine during the outbreak.
Chad Smelser, MD, New Mexico’s acting state epidemiologist, said, “We are thankful to the thousands of New Mexicans who received their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Fully vaccinated people and those who got caught up with their vaccines during this outbreak prevented it from spreading further.”
