CDC reports 712 measles cases nationwide, urges vaccinations amid spring break travel
WASHINGTON (7News) — As families hit the roads, trains, and skies for spring break, health officials warn about the spread of measles.
RELATED | Second child dies of measles as officials warn of low vaccination rates
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 712 confirmed cases reported in the following 25 jurisdictions as of April 11:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York City
- New York State
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Washington
The Maryland Department of Health reported three cases in March, including one in a Prince George's County elementary school.
RELATED | 2 Maryland residents test positive for measles after trip overseas: Officials
D.C. reported a case in someone potentially traveling through Union Station and visiting a northwest urgent care facility.
RELATED | Measles case in DC prompts health alert after exposure at several public locations
"Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we’ve ever known," Emily Smith, an epidemiologist at George Washington’s Milken Institute of Public Health told 7News.
She said it all comes down to declining vaccination rates.
"Vaccine coverage has gotten lower than what’s needed to keep measles out of our community," Smith said. " The vaccine is basically the number one and the only safe, proven, effective way to really keep you from getting the measles... you want the whole family to be vaccinated."
For those who aren't sure:
It’s never too late, essentially, so if you never had the vaccine as a kid, you can get it as an adult," Smith said. "We essentially need almost everyone or more than 95% of people in our community to be vaccinated to keep it from spreading.
RELATED | Teen shot, killed outside of grocery store in Broadlands, sheriff's investigation underway
CDC officials stress the importance and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine.
"The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very safe and effective. When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage <>>95%), most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity)," the CDC wrote in their ongoing measles cases and outbreaks page, where the public can track the spread.
