Hawai‘i health officials are sounding the alarm about measles as outbreaks grow in Texas and New Mexico. On March 11, the Hawai‘i Department of Health issued an advisory for healthcare providers to watch for and report possible cases. They stressed the importance of keeping vaccinations up to date, especially for those traveling internationally.
Governor Josh Green, who is also a physician, emphasizes that vaccination is key. He pointed out that two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles. "Measles was eliminated in the U.S. back in 2000, but now low vaccination rates are allowing it to resurface. We can’t let that happen in Hawaiʻi," he stated.
Measles, a highly contagious virus, can cause serious health issues. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. Initially, many might just have a fever, cough, and runny nose, but a red rash follows soon after, spreading from the face to the rest of the body.
Despite vaccines effectively preventing many diseases, measles cases are rising again. In 2023, there were 59 reported cases on the mainland U.S. By 2024, that number jumped to 285 cases across 16 outbreaks. This year alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed over 300 cases in 15 states, indicating a worrying trend.
Globally, measles remains a concern. The World Health Organization reported 10.3 million cases worldwide in 2023. This surge poses a risk to vulnerable populations, including young children and pregnant women. Governor Green warned, "An outbreak is preventable, and prevention is the best solution."
Unfortunately, vaccination rates in Hawai‘i are concerning. The state’s MMR vaccination rate for kindergartners stands at 90%, below the national average of 93%. In some areas, like parts of Maui and Kauaʻi, the rate drops below 75%. This creates a recipe for potential outbreaks, especially since measles can transmit quickly. If someone has measles, about 9 out of 10 people close by without immunity will likely get it.
Public health experts agree that community immunity is crucial. To prevent outbreaks, at least 95% of a population needs to be immunized. If an outbreak were to happen on one of Hawai‘i’s neighbor islands, healthcare services would be stretched thin since no island has a pediatric intensive care unit available.
Complications from measles can be severe. Nearly 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals who catch the virus end up in the hospital with issues like pneumonia. Others may face long-term problems, such as hearing loss or, in rare cases, brain swelling. Pregnant women who contract the virus have a higher risk of miscarriage.
If you think you may have measles, contact your healthcare provider first. This helps prevent further spread in clinics and hospitals. Parents, particularly, should ensure their children are fully vaccinated.
For further details about measles and vaccination, check the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s website. Keeping your vaccinations up to date is not just a personal choice; it supports the entire community’s health and safety.
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