Measles resurgence is a growing concern across the United States

A resurgence of measles has become a growing concern across the United States, and New Jersey is not immune to the trend.

With at least 26 cases reported in at least 12 states so far in 2024 — nearly double the number from the previous year — health officials are sounding the alarm about the highly contagious respiratory disease.

Measles, caused by a virus, poses a significant threat, especially to those who are unvaccinated. With a transmission rate of 90% among close contacts of infected individuals who lack immunity, the disease can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and even death.

In January 2024, New Jersey confirmed one case of measles in a resident of Camden County, prompting swift action from health officials.

While the origins of the infection remain unknown, authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to identify and assess the immune status of individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

The situation in New Jersey is exacerbated by the ongoing measles outbreak in Philadelphia, which has seen nine confirmed cases.

While Philadelphia boasts high vaccination rates, with at least 93% of children fully vaccinated by age 6, the contagious nature of measles underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures.

In response to the outbreaks, health departments are working tirelessly to track and contain the spread of the virus. Efforts include identifying and notifying individuals who may have been exposed, checking vaccination status, and issuing quarantine recommendations where necessary.

While measles can be contracted at any age, children are most at risk. Most people who catch measles recover within seven to 10 days, but in more serious cases, it can cause pneumonia, meningitis, seizures, complications leading to blindness, and even death.

The urgency of the situation has prompted health officials to emphasize the critical importance of vaccination. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is proven to be safe and effective, with two doses being 97% effective at preventing measles. Children should receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who was appointed to head the agency by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, has been under fire for sending parents a letter permitting them to send unvaccinated children to school amid an outbreak at Manatee Bay Elementary in Broward County in the southeastern part of Florida.

For those who may have been exposed to measles, immediate action is imperative. Individuals who are immune to measles, either through vaccination or prior infection, are advised to monitor their health closely. However, those who are not immune should take precautions, including seeking medical attention and quarantining themselves to prevent further transmission.

As New Jersey grapples with the threat of measles outbreaks, public health officials are urging residents to prioritize vaccination and remain vigilant in protecting themselves and their communities against this highly contagious disease. In the face of rising cases nationwide, proactive measures and widespread vaccination efforts are crucial to containing the spread of measles and safeguarding public health.

As of February 2024, the New Jersey Department of Health does not publicly share the overall state vaccination rate for measles.

However, a 2022 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 93% of New Jersey kindergartners had received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine by the 2021-2022 school year.

This rate is just below the 95% threshold considered necessary for herd immunity, which protects individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons or young age.

As of February 15, 2024, a total of 20 measles cases were reported by 11 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

During 2023, a total of 58 measles cases were reported by 20 jurisdictions: California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

In 2022, a total of 121 measles cases were reported by 6 jurisdictions. From January 1 to December 31, 2021, a total of 49 measles cases were reported by 5 jurisdictions. From January 1 to December 31, 2020, 13 individual cases of measles were confirmed in 8 jurisdictions.

From January 1 to December 31, 2019, there were 1,274 individual cases of measles confirmed in 31 states. This was the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1992. The majority of cases were among people who were not vaccinated against measles.

Measles is more likely to spread and cause outbreaks in U.S. communities where groups of people are unvaccinated.