New measles cases reported in Kentucky, New Jersey as outbreak continues in Texas

An adult has been diagnosed with measles in Kentucky, the state's department of public health and the Franklin County Health Department announced on Wednesday.

According to the authorities, it is the first confirmed case of the virus in Kentucky in two years. A growing number of measles cases are presently being confirmed across the US, with an outbreak ongoing in Texas.

Kentucky measles patient travelled abroad: Officials

The individual diagnosed with Measles in Kentucky was recently on an international trip to an area where the virus is spreading, authorities informed. Besides Kentucky, two new cases have been confirmed in New Jersey as well. According to health officials, the new cases in New Jersey, both reported in Bergen county, have been found linked to another confirmed case detected earlier this month.


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No link between cases in New Jersey and Kentucky

Officials have found no evidence linking the cases in New Jersey to the case in Kentucky, ABC News reported. Moreover, no link has been found between any of the new cases in Kentucky and New Jersey, and the measles outbreak in Texas. Health officials in Kentucky are now attempting to trace any infected individuals who may have come in contact with the latest measles patient in the state, ABC News reported.

The outbreak in Texas has so far claimed the life of an unvaccinated school-aged child, according to US media reports. The ongoing outbreak has infected 124 people in the state.

Highlighting the high contagiousness of the measles virus, Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) commissioner Dr Steven Stack said in a statement, "Fortunately, measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Vaccines are an essential tool to keep children and adults safe and healthy."

Officials hopeful of limited spread from New Jersey cases

An official aware of the situation told ABC News that the two new cases in New Jersey are members of the same family and were unvaccinated. The report added that officials were hopeful that any public spread arising from the duo will be limited in scope as the infected individuals belong to the same family. According to the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC), measles was officially eradicated from the US in 2000 and any new cases can be traced to individuals who contracted the virus while travelling abroad and returned home later.

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FAQs

How many people in Texas have been infected with measles?
An ongoing measles outbreak in Texas has so far infected 124 people and claimed the life of an unvaccinated child.

When was measles eradicated in the US?
Measles was officially eradicated from the US in 2000, as per the CDC.