Maine sees its 1st measles case in four years

A toddler in Maine who just lately examined constructive for measles often is the state’s first case of the viral an infection since 2019, the Maine Division of Well being and Human Providers (DHHS) reported Friday (opens in new tab) (Might 5).

Whereas the case nonetheless must be confirmed by the federal Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), “out of an abundance of warning,” Maine’s public well being companies are assuming the kid is infectious and dealing to establish and call individuals who might have been uncovered.

The CDC recommends (opens in new tab) that kids obtain their first dose of the MMR vaccine, which guards in opposition to measles, mumps and rubella, between 12 months and 15 months previous. Youngsters ought to get their second dose between 4 and 6 years previous. Alternatively, the MMRV vaccine, which additionally guards in opposition to varicella (chickenpox), could also be given following the identical vaccination schedule.

Associated: Greater than 70 kids sickened in Ohio measles outbreak

One dose of both vaccine is roughly 93% protecting in opposition to measles, and two doses are 97% protecting, which means there is a small probability of an infection even after two doses. Nevertheless, vaccinated people are likely to have a lot milder circumstances of the illness than unvaccinated individuals do.

The Maine little one with a constructive measles check had obtained one dose of a measles vaccine. (Neither the kid’s age nor any of their signs, if they’d any, had been famous within the DHHS assertion.)

The Maine DHHS assertion features a listing of areas that the measles-positive little one just lately visited and instances they had been at every place. “Anybody at these areas throughout these instances ought to look ahead to signs for 21 days after their publicity,” the assertion reads. “When you have signs, name a well being care supplier for directions earlier than going to the workplace or hospital to assist forestall additional unfold of an infection.”

Between Jan. 1 and April 28, 2023, a complete of 10 measles circumstances had been reported nationwide, the CDC reported (opens in new tab).

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