States Log More Measles Cases as New Mexico Outbreak Winds Down
Recent reports from Minnesota and California indicate ongoing measles activity across the United States, contributing to a national increase in cases since the country’s elimination status was achieved in 2000. Simultaneously, New Mexico officials have declared an end to a significant outbreak within the state.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has identified three new measles cases, bringing the state’s total for the year to eight. According to reports from CBS News Minnesota, these cases involve unvaccinated children aged 5 to 17 within the same family residing in Dakota County, part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
In California, the orange County Health Care Agency announced a confirmed measles infection in a toddler who recently traveled within the United States.Health officials are currently contacting individuals possibly exposed in healthcare facilities. However, they anticipate limited further community spread due to the family’s isolation during the contagious period.
On September 26th, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDH) officially declared the end of the state’s measles outbreak, which originated on February 14th. The last reported cases were located in Santa Fe County on August 14th.
Throughout the outbreak, New Mexico recorded a total of 100 cases – the state’s frist outbreak since 1996. The initial cases emerged in Lea county, bordering a measles hotspot in West Texas, and a seperate outbreak occurred within a correctional facility in Deming.
The NMDH reported that over 56,000 individuals received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine during the outbreak period. Chad Smelser, MD, New Mexico’s acting state epidemiologist, emphasized the impact of vaccination, stating, “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.”
