The CDC sent an alert to state and local health departments April 27, warning that additional measles cases are expected over the next few months.
“With continued measles transmission in areas across North America and expected increases in international and domestic travel and large events during spring and summer, additional measles cases are anticipated in the coming months,” the alert said.
Three things to know:
1. The alert reminds health departments to report measles cases to the CDC within 24 hours, including established cases within hospitals. It also encourages contact tracing for exposed individuals as well as performing outreach to under-vaccinated communities.
2. The alert comes two days after South Carolina declared an end to a measles outbreak totaling 997 cases — the largest in the U.S. in more than 35 years.
3. This year, there have been 1,782 cases nationwide, according to CDC data. Cases have been reported in 36 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
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