Measles in Massachusetts and South Dakota
First cases reported since 2020 and 2015, respectively
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that an adult resident from Worcester County who recently traveled internationally was diagnosed with measles in early July 2024. This is the first confirmed case of measles in a Massachusetts resident since early 2020.
People who may have been exposed to measles from this case have already been contacted and provided appropriate public health recommendations.
South Dakota
The Department of Health is reporting a case of measles in a South Dakota resident. An adult Pennington County resident developed a measles infection after traveling internationally. They visited Monument Health in Rapid City and tested positive for measles.
The time periods and locations where other community members may have been exposed to the case are the Black Hills Urgent Care on 741 Mountain View Rd. from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. MT on July 9, 2024, and the Monument Health Rapid City Emergency Department waiting room from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. MT on July 12, 2024.
Measles in the US
As of July 11th, a total of 167 measles cases were reported by 24 jurisdictions. 53% of cases hospitalized (88 of 167) for isolation or for management of measles complications.
Nearly half the cases were in children under 5 years of age.
The majority were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status (84 percent), 11 percent had one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, and 5 percent had two doses.
Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. This meant the absence of the continuous spread of disease was greater than 12 months.
Measles
Measles symptoms appear in two stages. In the first stage, the individual may have a runny nose, cough, and a slight fever. The eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light while the fever consistently rises each day. The second stage begins on the third to seventh day and consists of a temperature of 103-105°F, and a red blotchy rash lasting four to seven days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads over the entire body. Koplik spots (little white spots with a red background) may also appear on the gums and inside of the cheeks.
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Maintaining the highest level of immunization against measles is the best preventive measure, especially if individuals are planning to travel internationally. Measles vaccine (MMR) is typically given at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given at 4-6 years of age. The vaccine is highly effective, and two MMR shots usually produce lifelong immunity. If you are planning to travel internationally with children, MMR vaccines can be given to children starting at six months of age. People born before 1957 are likely to have been infected naturally and are presumed to be protected against measles.