A baby beneath the age of 5 has been recognized with measles in Broward County, based on Florida Division of Well being knowledge, marking the second confirmed case of the extremely contagious illness in South Florida this yr.
The case, confirmed in April and first reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, concerned a toddler who reportedly contracted measles outdoors of the USA. It follows a separate case in early March, when a student at Miami Palmetto Senior High School in Pinecrest examined constructive for the virus.
This comes amid a broader surge in measles throughout the USA. Based on ABC Information, no less than 1,046 measles instances have been reported nationwide to date this yr, with outbreaks — outlined as three or extra associated instances — confirmed in 11 states, together with giant clusters in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Important outbreaks have additionally been reported in neighboring nations resembling Mexico and Canada.
Measles is a respiratory sickness attributable to a virus thought of one of the contagious on the earth. It spreads by the air when an contaminated individual breathes, sneezes, or coughs. Youngsters are particularly susceptible. Preliminary signs embody excessive fever, runny nostril, cough, and purple, watery eyes. A rash often follows inside three to 5 days, starting on the face and spreading down the physique. Fevers can spike above 104°F on the peak of the sickness, based on the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC).
There isn’t a particular antiviral therapy for measles. Medical care focuses on relieving signs, stopping issues, and conserving sufferers snug. Individuals who have had measles as soon as are usually immune for all times.
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Broward County is dwelling to a big inhabitants of Caribbean natives, who’re usually vaccinated for measles as a part of their routine childhood immunization schedule of their dwelling nation. Nonetheless, rising vaccine hesitancy in elements of the U.S. has led to extra unvaccinated people, contributing to the virus’s resurgence.
Well being officers proceed to emphasize the significance of vaccination, particularly for households touring internationally or dwelling in areas with confirmed instances.
