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Pennsylvania, Wisconsin report measles-linked deaths as cases rise

Pennsylvania, Wisconsin report measles-linked deaths as cases rise

By Kunal Das and Kamal Choudhury Nov 13 (Reuters) - Health officials in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin reported a measles-associated death each on Friday as the worst outbreak in decades spreads across the US.
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US CDC confirms six measles-related deaths in 2026

US CDC confirms six measles-related deaths in 2026

Nov 12 (Reuters) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed six measles-related deaths in the US this year, according to the agency's website on Thursday, as the country grapples with its worst resurgence of the virus in decades.
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New Jersey Department of Health Alerts Residents to Measles Exposure Risk from Non-Resident Visitor

New Jersey Department of Health Alerts Residents to Measles Exposure Risk from Non-Resident Visitor

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has issued an alert regarding potential measles exposures in several locations across New Jersey. This alert follows the identification of a measles case in a non-New Jersey resident who visited multiple sites while infectious. The NJDOH is urging individuals, particularly parents, guardians, healthcare providers, and caregivers, to be vigilant about measles symptoms and to ensure their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date. Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that typically appears three to five days after initial symptoms. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads downwards. The NJDOH has specified several locations and timeframes where exposure may have occurred, including LegionsCon at Hanover Marriott, Sonesta Simply Suites Parsippany...
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New Jersey Department of Health Alerts Residents to Potential Measles Exposures from Non-Resident Visitor

New Jersey Department of Health Alerts Residents to Potential Measles Exposures from Non-Resident Visitor

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has issued an alert regarding potential measles exposures in the state, stemming from a non-New Jersey resident who visited multiple locations while infectious. The NJDOH is urging residents, particularly parents, guardians, healthcare providers, and caregivers, to be aware of measles symptoms and to ensure their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are current. Specific locations and times of potential exposure have been identified, including LegionsCon at Hanover Marriott, Sonesta Simply Suites Parsippany Morris Plains, Walgreens Store #10438 in Morristown, and Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center – Emergency Department. While New Jersey is not currently experiencing a measles outbreak (defined as three or more related cases), the NJDOH emphasizes the highly contagious nature of the virus and the importance of vaccination, with two doses of the MMR vaccine being 97% effective.
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Early Flu Season and New COVID-19 Variant Pose Heightened Risk for Seniors in Late 2026

Early Flu Season and New COVID-19 Variant Pose Heightened Risk for Seniors in Late 2026

The late 2026 flu season has commenced earlier than usual, with public health trackers indicating rising influenza activity across multiple states ahead of schedule. Concurrently, a new COVID-19 variant is circulating globally, presenting symptoms that closely resemble the flu and common cold. This overlap in symptoms makes it challenging to differentiate between the viruses without testing. Adults aged 65 and older face the highest risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications from both the flu and the new COVID-19 variant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines for seniors to elicit a stronger immune response. Health officials emphasize the importance of testing rather than guessing, especially for older adults, due to the potential for rapid deterioration in health.
ReutersReuters
Pennsylvania reports seventh measles-linked death as cases rise

Pennsylvania reports seventh measles-linked death as cases rise

Nov 13 (Reuters) - Pennsylvania health officials on Friday reported the state's seventh measles-associated death this year as the worst outbreak in decades spreads across the US.
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US loses measles-free status after continued spread of the disease, WSJ reports

US loses measles-free status after continued spread of the disease, WSJ reports

Nov 13 (Reuters) - The Pan American Health Organization has revoked the United States' measles-elimination status after 26 years, because the country did not halt continuous transmission of the highly contagious virus for more than a year, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.
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The US and Mexico are on the verge of forfeiting a major health victory. Here's what to know

The US and Mexico are on the verge of forfeiting a major health victory. Here's what to know

International health experts are meeting to assess whether the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles elimination status
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World Health Organization Officials Evaluate Revoking U.S. Measles-Free Status Amid Rising Cases

World Health Organization Officials Evaluate Revoking U.S. Measles-Free Status Amid Rising Cases

Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) are currently meeting to assess whether to revoke the United States' measles-free status. This evaluation comes as the number of measles cases in the U.S. has surpassed 5,000. The significant increase in cases is attributed to a decline in the administration of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccines. The U.S. had previously achieved measles elimination, a status indicating the absence of continuous disease transmission for at least 12 months. The current surge in infections raises concerns about the re-establishment of endemic measles transmission within the country, prompting the WHO's review.
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US faces loss of measles-free status as experts meet for review

US faces loss of measles-free status as experts meet for review

By Jennifer Rigby and Julie Steenhuysen LONDON/CHICAGO, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Global health experts will determine in the coming days whether the United States has lost its official measles-free status, a public health achievement it has held since 2000 now in jeopardy after outbreaks across the
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CDC Issues Guidelines for Adult Measles Vaccination Amidst Outbreak Concerns

CDC Issues Guidelines for Adult Measles Vaccination Amidst Outbreak Concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance regarding measles vaccination for adults, particularly in light of ongoing outbreaks. The CDC outlines four primary forms of evidence to confirm immunity: written vaccination records, laboratory results showing immunity, laboratory confirmation of a past measles infection, or birth before 1957. Adults lacking any of these forms are considered to have insufficient evidence of immunity. The recommended vaccine is the MMR shot, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Depending on individual circumstances, adults may require one or two doses. Special consideration is given to those who received an inactivated measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967, as it was not reliably protective, and revaccination with the live vaccine is advised. The CDC emphasizes that measles can be spread from four days before the rash appears to four days after, highlighting the importance of timely vaccination and checking immunity status, especia...
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Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Study Links Wild Animal Imports to Increased Zoonotic Outbreak Risk

Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Study Links Wild Animal Imports to Increased Zoonotic Outbreak Risk

Scientists from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have published a study in the journal *One Health* indicating a significant correlation between the volume of wild animal imports and a higher likelihood of zoonotic infectious disease emergence. The research, which analyzed data from 214 countries over 39 years, found that a one-unit increase in wild animal import volume was associated with an approximately 23% increase in the odds of a new zoonotic disease appearing. Conversely, the study found no statistically significant link between wild animal exports and the emergence of such infections. The researchers suggest that imported animals may introduce novel pathogens to which local populations have no prior immunity. Further analysis of extreme cases revealed that years with exceptionally high volumes of wild animal imports coincided 40% more often with a large number of zoonotic outbreaks. The study also identified other contributing factors to emerging infections, including mammal species diversity, p...