News from the FDA/CDC

Measles incidence has slowed as summer begins


 

There were 33 new measles cases reported last week, bringing the U.S. total to 1,077 for the year through June 20, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Number of measles cases reported to the CDC

The number of new cases is an increase from the 22 reported the week before, but weekly incidence has been trending downward since hitting a high of 90 in mid-April, CDC data show.

The two continuing outbreaks in New York State made up more than half of the new cases, as Rockland County reported nine cases and New York City reported eight (seven in Brooklyn and one in Queens). Only one new case was reported in California as of the CDC’s June 20 cutoff, but the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said on June 22 that it was assessing two possible cases, with potential public exposures occurring in a theater and a restaurant.

In a survey conducted in April, a majority of physicians with experience treating measles said that summer travel would lead to increased measles outbreaks and deaths.

Recommended Reading

United States now over 1,000 measles cases this year
MDedge Pediatrics
Waning pertussis immunity may be linked to acellular vaccine
MDedge Pediatrics
USPSTF reaffirms HIV screening recommendations
MDedge Pediatrics
Reducing pediatric RSV burden is top priority
MDedge Pediatrics
Scabies rates plummeted with community mass drug administration
MDedge Pediatrics
How to have ‘the talk’ with vaccine skeptics
MDedge Pediatrics
Get patients vaccinated: Avoid unwelcome international travel souvenirs
MDedge Pediatrics
Rapid assay distinguishes viral from bacterial infection
MDedge Pediatrics
Booster vaccines found largely safe in children on immunosuppressive drugs
MDedge Pediatrics
U.S. travelers to Europe need up to date measles immunization
MDedge Pediatrics