|
 The CDC on Monday is due to release updated figures on the number of
cases recorded so far this year.
Here are key facts about the outbreak:
- Public health officials blame the measles resurgence on the spread
of misinformation about vaccines. A vocal fringe of parents opposes
vaccines, believing, contrary to scientific studies, that
ingredients in them can cause autism.
- The largest outbreaks are concentrated in Orthodox Jewish
communities in New York City's Williamsburg neighborhood, where some
390 cases have been confirmed, and Rockland County north of New York
City, which has recorded 201 cases. Those figures include infections
from last year and are not directly comparable to the CDC numbers.
- Other outbreaks have been reported in Washington state, New
Jersey, California's Butte County and Michigan.
- The disease is highly contagious and can be fatal, killing one or
two of every 1,000 children who contract it, according to the CDC.
It can also cause permanent hearing loss or intellectual
disabilities. It poses the greatest risk to unvaccinated young
children.
- The United States' 2000 declaration that measles was eradicated
meant that the disease was no longer present in the country year
round. Measles remains common in some countries in Europe, Asia and
Africa, and unvaccinated travelers to those countries can bring it
back to the United States. The current outbreaks are believed to
trace back to visits to Israel and Ukraine.
[to top of second column] |
- New York City officials said some 21,000 people have received the
measles-mumps-rubella vaccine in affected areas since the outbreak
began in October. The city has begun fining unvaccinated adults.
- Lawmakers in Oregon, California and Washington state are
considering bills to eliminate nonmedical exemptions that allowed
unvaccinated children to attend public schools.
- In order to achieve herd immunity that protects those unable to
get the measles vaccine, such as infants and people with compromised
immune systems, 90% to 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated.
Sources: U.S. CDC, World Health Organization, public health offices
in New York State and City, Washington state, California and
Michigan
(Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
[© 2019 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2019 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
