Latest news with #Measles
New York Times
11 hours ago
- Health
- New York Times
Canada's Measles Outbreak Exceeds Cases in the U.S.
Measles cases in Canada have far surpassed those in the United States as health officials in Alberta, a western province that has become a hot spot for the outbreak, have urged the premier to declare a public health emergency to stave off infections. Canada's public healthy agency has recorded about 4,200 measles cases this year, more than three times as many as the 1,300 cases recorded in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The C.D.C. has also ranked Canada among the top 10 countries with the highest number of measles cases. It is the only Western nation on the list. Alberta, which has low measles vaccine rates, has recorded about 1,600 cases. The largely conservative province has a deep and vocal level of skepticism about the public health system and vaccines, with many people mirroring some of the arguments made in the United States by the health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Measles is an airborne virus and one of the world's most infectious diseases, causing flulike symptoms and a rash. Severe cases can lead to hearing loss, pneumonia or swelling in the brain. Three people have died in the United States, while in Canada there has been one death, a premature baby who had contracted the virus in the womb. The spread of measles has slowed in Ontario, the province with the largest number of cases. But health professionals say the opposite is true in Alberta, and many are criticizing the provincial government's public health response. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Health
- Times of Oman
"India's humanitarian support to the people of Syria continues": MEA on medical aid dispatch
New Delhi: India's humanitarian outreach to Syria continued with the delivery of a fresh consignment of critical medical aid, the Ministry of External Affairs said. In a 'X' post on Tuesday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "India's humanitarian support to the people of Syria continues." He informed that India had "handed over a consignment of 5 MT of essential life-saving medicines, including anti-cancer, antibiotics and anti-hypertensives to Syria." The gesture is part of India's ongoing efforts to provide relief and medical assistance to conflict-affected regions and underscores New Delhi's commitment to extend support during humanitarian crises. India's continued commitment to global health support was also demonstrated on July 17, when it sent 300,000 doses of Measles and Rubella vaccines, along with other medical supplies, to Bolivia in response to a worsening outbreak in the country. "India dispatched a consignment of 300,000 doses of Measles & Rubella vaccines along with ancillary supplies to support Bolivia in managing the outbreak of the disease. India stands by its friends in the Global South," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. The shipment arrives at a crucial time as Bolivia has declared a National Health Emergency due to a resurgence of measles cases in several areas. So far, 60 confirmed cases have been reported, according to Xinhua. "After urgently convening the National Strategic Council for Health Emergencies, in response to the measles epidemic that the country is experiencing and the high risk of the disease spreading, we have decided to declare a National Health Emergency with the firm intention of protecting the health and lives of the Bolivian people," Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora announced on social media, as quoted by Xinhua. The emergency move aims to stop the virus from spreading through mass vaccination efforts and a coordinated response involving local governments, regional bodies, and international organisations.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Health secretary tells officials to step up surveillance to contain measles spread
Nashik: State health secretary Dr Nipun Vinayak on Tuesday told civil surgeons and district health officials from Jalgaon, Dhule and Nandurbar to step up surveillance for measles symptoms and enforce isolation measures following an outbreak at a govt-aided ashramshala. Thirty-seven ashramshala students were admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital in Jalgaon with measles-like symptoms. Of them, four have tested positive for the infection so far. Officials who attended the meeting said Dr Vinayak told them to track all students and implement home isolation and treatment as needed, particularly in the villages where the students resided. "The health secretary reviewed the reports by district health departments and told officials to intensify the surveillance in talukas and villages where the students resided and would return to after Jalgaon collector declared a measles outbreak. Their vaccination reports are to be examined too," Jalgaon district health officer Dr Sachin Bhayekar said. The officer said standard measles vaccination guidelines typically targeted children up to five years old. "Given the age range of the affected students (6-15 years), govt will determine a separate vaccination plan for them," he said. Dhule district health officer Dr Sachin Bodke said the ashramshala students hailed only from Shirpur taluka, and the teams reached the homes of more than 50 of the 89 students. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "On Monday, one student with measles-like symptoms was admitted to GMCH, Dhule, while three others were admitted to the sub-district hospital. All are stable and recuperating. Besides, the students who have reached their homes are being monitored. We are taking help of religious leaders, community leaders and sarpanch to carry out the vaccination of the children below 5 years of age and who might have missed any of the two doses," Dr Bodke said. The major issue faced by health officials is about the migratory population in the remote villages of the taluka, who cross over to Madhya Pradesh and other districts in search of employment. Dr Ravindra Jadhav, Nandurbar district health officer, said, "The students were yet to reach homes from Jalgaon. All the students who come home will be screened for health conditions at primary health centres, after which those exhibiting symptoms will be treated. The rest of the students will be kept under isolation at their homes." Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes a rash and flu-like symptoms. It's spread through respiratory droplets and can be serious, even deadly, especially for young children and those with weakened immune systems.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles cases in US over 4.5 times higher than all of last year
Measles cases in the United States are continuing to rise after breaking a decades-long record just two weeks ago. There are now 1,319 confirmed measles cases across 39 states, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated Wednesday. This is the highest nationwide measles figure seen since 1992. National cases are more than 4.5 times higher than the entirety of last year, which had an estimated 285 cases reported. MORE: Amid growing Texas outbreak, how contagious is measles? So far, two children and one adult have died from the virus this year, the first deaths from measles in a decade. About one to three of every 1,000 children infected with measles die from respiratory and neurologic complications, according to the CDC. An overwhelming majority of this year's cases -- 92% -- are among those who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, CDC data shows. Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 due to a highly effective vaccination program, according to the CDC Childhood vaccination rates to protect against measles have been declining in recent years, CDC data shows. The rate of kindergarteners receiving state-required vaccinations dropped from 95% in the 2019-2020 school year to less than 93% in the 2023-2024 school year, according to CDC data. A 95% threshold is the ideal level to protect for herd immunity, public health experts note. This leaves about 280,000 U.S. kindergarteners, or 7.3%, without protection from the virus. MORE: Amid growing Texas outbreak, how contagious is measles? A measles vaccine became available in 1963. Prior to that, nearly all children got measles by the time they were 15 years old. It led to an estimated 500 deaths and 48,000 hospitalizations each year before the shot was widely available, according to the CDC. Children in the U.S. are recommended to receive the two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective, the CDC says. A booster shot is not typically recommended for adults who already have immunity from the virus through vaccination or prior infection. Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
22-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
What you need to know about West Nile, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the measles
Video Infectious diseases expert Dr. Isaac Bogoch on what you need to know about West Nile, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the Measles.
