WASHINGTON, USA — According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 45 measles cases have been reported in 17 states across the U.S. as of this week. Eight of the cases this year were reported in Clark and Wahkiakum counties in Washington state in January.
Health leaders said the nationwide trend is alarming, considering the country saw 58 cases of measles in total last year.
Dr. Heather Long, a pediatrician at Clackamas and Oregon Pediatrics, said measles cases in the United States are still relatively rare.
"But when vaccine rates drop below 95% of the population, that's when clusters of cases start to pop up," Long explained.
Measles has distinct symptoms that usually appear within the first few days of infection.
"White spots can show up in the mouth, and then, a rash on the outside of the skin will start around the same time," Long described. "The rash starts on the head and face, then spreads down the body, usually redder and more noticeable than other viral rashes."
If anyone has any of those symptoms, Long recommends contacting your medical provider for a screening, especially for children, as 1 in 5 children infected with measles will become hospitalized.
"If your child has been vaccinated, concern for measles — even with rising cases in the U.S. — is something to keep in the back of your mind, but not something to be too worried about," Long said, adding that vaccination against measles is largely effective.
There is a 90% chance of infection if an unvaccinated person comes in contact with someone with measles. Measles droplets from a cough or sneeze can stay enclosed for up to two hours.