Tracking measles: new subscriber benefit
Updates to keep you informed about local exposures
While putting together the latest Outbreak Outlook, I was surprised to discover a measles exposure in my area. I realized many people might miss these public health alerts if they don't regularly check their local news.
So in response to rising measles cases nationwide, I'm adding a new benefit for paid subscribers1. Twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, I will send out brief updates on any newly reported cases. I've designed these updates to be as skimmable as possible. The first edition is below. I plan to continue this through end of April, and then I will re-evaluate.
The following jurisdictions have reported measles cases in the past four or so days. I made some exceptions to that time window where noted. States are in alphabetical order.
Michigan
A case was reported in Oakland County last Friday. The person is an adult who had recently traveled overseas. Public locations that may have been exposed include Kruse & Muer on Main and Henry Ford Rochester Hospital Emergency Department. Dates range from March 3-10.
New Mexico
The outbreak in New Mexico has grown to a total of 38 cases and 2 hospitalizations. Five new cases were reported in the last four days, all in Lea County. The health department is offering multiple vaccination clinics, see this link for more info.
Oklahoma
Two new probable cases were reported in Oklahoma last Friday. Multiple locations in Owasso and Claremore may have been exposed, with dates ranging from February 27 to March 2.
Texas
The outbreak in west Texas has grown to a cumulative total of 279 cases, including 36 hospitalizations. Counties with cases reported in the last four days (i.e., since Friday’s report) include Cochran, Gaines, Lamar and Lubbock.
Additional new cases were recorded in Harris and Lamar counties. These cases are not connected to the big outbreak.
West Virginia and Virginia
West Virginia has not reported a measles case, but the Department of Health did recently warn residents that a person with measles passed through Dulles Airport (in Virginia) on March 5th. Residents of either state may have been exposed if they traveled through Dulles.
How to use this information
The measles virus can remain active in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. This is why health departments publish lists of specific locations and time periods where exposures may have occurred. To use this list, I recommend you:
Check if your county and state is listed
If you're in an affected area, click the provided health department link
If you believe you were potentially exposed, call the phone number on the department website
Health officials will assess your risk and recommend next steps, which might include a booster vaccination, immunoglobulin treatment (in rare cases), quarantine—or no action if you’re not at risk. It’s important to call the health department as soon as you can though, because some options are only available in the first few days after exposure.
FYI for readers who do not want to join the paid list but still want to know where to find alerts, notification of measles cases are usually posted in two places: the press release or news section of your health department’s website, and local news media.
As always. Thank you. For being smart and for continuing to care.
Do adults who had the real red measles, as well as mumps, chickenpox, German measles, in the 1950s need to be vaccinated?