The AP (4/11, Shastri) reported that U.S. measles cases surpassed “700 as of Friday, capping a week in which Indiana joined five others states with active outbreaks, Texas grew by another 60 cases and a third measles-related death was made public.” Other states with active measles outbreaks – defined as three or more cases – include New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio and Oklahoma. The multistate outbreak “confirms health experts’ fears that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates and that the spread could stretch on for a year.”
Blogfinger: There have been cases in New Jersey. 3 deaths have occurred nationwide. The disease has affected patients who have never been vaccinated. A doctor can order a blood test to verify immunity. Click on the AP link above for more information. Paul Goldfinger, MD.