All articles tagged with #mmr
Two children in England have died from measles this year as UKHSA reports 106 new laboratory-confirmed cases since the last update, bringing the Jan 1–Jun 8 total to 736. Most cases are among unvaccinated children aged 10 and under, prompting officials to urge parents to ensure their children are up to date with MMR/MMRV vaccines and to catch up if needed to protect the wider community.
Georgia's Department of Public Health confirms three new measles cases in a metro Atlanta family who had international travel and were not vaccinated. They were not infectious during travel but may have exposed others after returning and developing symptoms. Officials urge vaccination with the MMR vaccine; CDC guidance recommends first MMR dose at 12–15 months, a second dose at 4–6 years, and an additional precaution for infants 6–11 months traveling internationally. Measles is highly contagious, with symptoms typically appearing 7–14 days after exposure.
South Carolina's six-month measles outbreak—nearly 1,000 cases and 21 hospitalizations—ended after more than 42 days with no transmission, signaling containment. The episode coincided with early signs of rising MMR vaccination among young children, and CDC data suggest national coverage edging toward the 95% threshold in some cohorts; however, outbreaks persist elsewhere in the US, underscoring the need for continued vaccination and public health efforts (the response cost about $2 million).
Rhode Island’s Department of Health (RIDOH) confirmed a second measles case in 2026, a woman in her 20s who had traveled internationally; the case is not linked to the first one identified in April and she was treated at Brown University Health Urgent Care in Middletown without hospitalization. RIDOH emphasizes vaccination, noting RI’s ~97% MMR coverage among kindergarteners, and urges eligible residents to get vaccinated, especially before international travel; those exposed should contact their healthcare provider and monitor for symptoms.
Utah’s measles outbreak, with more than 600 cases, has health officials urging consideration of an early MMR dose for infants 6–12 months; after months of caution, a Riverton couple learned their 5‑month‑old twins were exposed at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and chose to vaccinate the babies at 6 months, highlighting the advice to consult a pediatrician about earlier vaccination while continuing the standard two‑dose schedule later.
Health officials warn of a possible measles exposure at Boise Airport after a traveler with the virus passed through on March 29; those who shared flights should watch for fever, runny nose, cough, red or watery eyes, or a rash and consult a healthcare provider about vaccination.
The DeKalb County Health Department has confirmed the first measles case of 2026, with potential exposures at Walmart (DeKalb) on March 2 and the DeKalb USPS on March 9. The case was lab-confirmed and investigators are tracing contacts while keeping patient privacy. Officials emphasize vaccination, noting two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective, and advise anyone exposed who is not fully vaccinated to monitor for symptoms for 21 days and contact a healthcare provider or the health department before seeking care to prevent spread.
Colorado health officials report two more measles cases in Broomfield residents linked to a prior case, with exposure at Bout Time Pub & Grub in Arvada on March 10–11; unvaccinated household members are asked to quarantine, though breakthrough infections can occur; symptoms may appear through April 1, and earlier cases are tied to local schools.
Upticks in mumps cases—26 in Maryland this year and 34 nationwide across 11 jurisdictions—are prompting renewed attention to vaccination, as experts explain transmission before symptoms, possible complications, and why two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective but not foolproof, sometimes leading to a third dose during outbreaks.
CDC data show the US has logged more than 1,100 measles cases in two months, with 1,136 cases reported in the first eight weeks of the year — about six times the yearly average. About 96% of cases are in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people, many children. Outbreaks are active across several states, notably South Carolina (≈979 cases since October), plus spread in North Carolina, Utah-Arizona, and Florida near Ave Maria University. Health officials warn the disease remains vaccine-preventable and emphasize expanding vaccination coverage, as the US risks losing its measles elimination status.
Maryland reports 19 confirmed and seven probable mumps cases through Feb. 19, mostly among adults in the Baltimore area, a rise from four confirmed cases in 2025; investigators are examining possible links. Mumps spreads via saliva and respiratory droplets; early signs include upper-respiratory symptoms, fever, and jaw swelling. There’s no cure, though most recover in two weeks; serious complications can occur, but public risk is low due to high vaccination rates. Prevention centers on the two-dose MMR vaccine, with boosters for those with uncertain vaccination status and two doses for unvaccinated adults.
North London is experiencing a measles outbreak (61 cases so far this year) linked to low vaccination rates in the capital: only 69% of five-year-olds are fully vaccinated, well below the national 84% and the 95% target, reflecting a broader England-wide decline in MMR uptake.
Seven schools and a nursery in Enfield report more than 60 suspected measles cases, with 34 confirmed since January 12; health officials warn that low MMR vaccination uptake is fueling the spread and could threaten a wider pan-London outbreak, as vaccination clinics are rolled out in schools and communities to curb transmission.
A measles case has been confirmed in the Pensacola area; health officials warn the disease is highly contagious and urge vaccination for unvaccinated individuals. Infants aged 6–11 months may receive early MMR vaccination, while children 12 months and older should get routine vaccination. Contact Pensacola Pediatrics to schedule an appointment.
Measles is resurging in the U.S. with thousands of cases in 2025 and outbreaks such as in South Carolina; the virus is highly contagious and can cause severe symptoms and complications, especially in unvaccinated children. Early signs include cough, runny nose, fever, and Koplik spots, followed by a spreading rash. The best protection is two doses of the MMR vaccine (about 97% effective); adults should check their vaccination status, and those who can’t be vaccinated rely on herd immunity and public health measures like quarantine to limit spread.