San Mateo County officials are calling on residents to make sure they are vaccinated against measles as a series of outbreaks emerge in western Texas.
For children aged 12 months to 3 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Kids between 4 and 6 should have two doses. Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, the health officer for San Mateo County, emphasized the importance of ensuring vaccinations are up to date, particularly for families with infants or those planning to travel internationally.
Adults can also catch up on their vaccinations, with those older than six able to receive one or two doses of the MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
As of mid-March, the CDC reported 301 confirmed cases of measles across 14 states, including five in California, all linked to international travel. There has been one reported death from measles, the first in the U.S. since 2015. Notably, only 2% of those infected had received both doses of the MMR vaccine, while 3% had received just one. Seventeen percent of confirmed cases led to hospitalization.
Before international travel, residents are encouraged to check the CDC’s Global Measles Travel Health Notice for updates on outbreaks and vaccination advice.
Measles is highly contagious. It spreads easily in public spaces, making vaccination crucial for community health. Outbreaks can occur anywhere, unlike before, when measles was mostly eliminated in the U.S. due to widespread vaccinations. With growing vaccine hesitancy, public health officials warn that diseases like measles can resurge if people neglect their vaccinations.
In light of these outbreaks, now is a vital time for all individuals and families to check their vaccination status.
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