Latest news with #Mmr
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
American honeymoon hotspot hit by highly contagious illness, health officials warn
While cases of measles continue to spread throughout the U.S., Hawaii is reporting a new type of infectious spread. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is on the rise at a "worrying rate" in the Aloha State, the State of Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) confirmed last week in a news release. As of May 15, there have been 108 cases of pertussis reported, already exceeding the 84 total cases in 2024. Cdc Removes Covid Vaccine Recommendation For Healthy Children And Pregnant Women The DOH labeled pertussis a "highly contagious respiratory disease" that spreads through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Symptoms often resemble a cold but can progress to "intense coughing fits." Read On The Fox News App For children, these coughing fits can be followed by a "deep breath" that makes a "whooping" sound. "Health complications can be serious and even life-threatening, especially for infants and young children who are not fully vaccinated," the DOH warned. Complications can include pneumonia, seizures, apnea, encephalopathy (a disease of the brain) and death. Doctors Warn Of 'Trifecta' Of Chronic Illnesses Plaguing Americans After Maha Report The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination, according to the DOH. The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine is administered to children under 7 years old and the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine is for older children and adults. Multiple doses are generally recommended for infants, children and adults. "High vaccination rates protect individuals and communities and prevent cases from becoming outbreaks," the agency noted. "However, vaccination rates for all routinely recommended vaccinations for school entry – including those for measles, pertussis, polio and varicella (chickenpox) – have declined nationally and in Hawaii since 2019." Measles Outbreaks Emerge Across Us: See Which States Have Reported Cases Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel confirmed that Hawaii is below the national average in terms of childhood vaccines, noting that the DTaP vaccine is "highly effective" in children, with close to 100% protection with appropriate dosages. "Pertussis is insidious, and can be easily mistaken for other respiratory diseases, including viruses," Siegel told Fox News Digital. "Pertussis, which is a bacteria, can be treated with antibiotics like doxycycline but is easily missed. The best protection is vaccination, including repeated boosters in teens and adults." Siegel explained that the "characteristic whoop" sound among children is caused by clogged airways that are not yet well-developed. Is Mmr Vaccine Safe For Kids? Dr. Nicole Saphier Addresses Concerns As Measles Cases Rise About one-third of babies under 1 year who contract whooping cough are at risk of hospitalization, according to the doctor. "The best protection is for everyone around them to be vaccinated," he said. "Pertussis outbreaks are now connected to a drop-off in early childhood vaccination." Neha Pathak, MD, WebMD chief physician editor, echoed that pertussis is "still a significant public health threat," especially for infants and people with weakened immune systems. "The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine offers strong protection to children — about 98 out of 100 children are protected for at least a year after the fifth dose, and about 70% are still protected for up to five years," she said in an interview with Fox News Digital. While vaccines like measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) can provide lifelong protection, pertussis immunity decreases over time, which means boosters are necessary for adolescents and adults, Pathak noted. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "The uptick in pertussis cases is concerning, but not surprising given what we are seeing with vaccine hesitancy," she commented. "Pregnant women should also get the Tdap vaccine during their third trimester to pass antibodies to their newborns, protecting them before they can be vaccinated," the doctor suggested. Hawaii confirmed two cases of measles in early April and concluded there was no further community spread. Despite the current situation being under control, the health department warned that measles exposure is still a threat among travelers. For more Health articles, visit "Measles cases in the United States continue to rise, with more than 1,000 cases already reported across 30 states this year," the department noted. "The risk remains high for future travel-related measles cases reaching Hawaii, and DOH recommends continued vigilance and efforts to increase the MMR vaccination rate." The DOH stressed its "strong" recommendation for children and adults to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations for disease article source: American honeymoon hotspot hit by highly contagious illness, health officials warn
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles scare at major airport: What to know about potential exposure
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is sounding the alarm on a potential measles exposure at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. In a news release on April 30, the department identified two confirmed measles cases in Cook County. These are the first two cases in the county, following the state's first confirmed case in a southern Illinois adult on April 23. Measles Outbreaks Emerge Across Us: See Which States Have Reported Cases One case was identified as a suburban Cook County adult with an unknown vaccination status who sought medical care at a local hospital on April 28. The second case was identified in a Chicago adult who traveled internationally through O'Hare Airport in April. Read On The Fox News App Measles Outbreaks Now Declared In 8 States, Including Michigan's First In 5 Years The patient, who had one prior dose of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, reported a rash onset on April 25. Both individuals have been isolated at home since being diagnosed. The state health department listed the following locations where there was potential for public exposure: Monday, April 21, 2025: Fittingly Delicious, 3939 W. Irving Park Rd. Tuesday, April 22, 2025: O'Hare Airport, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., especially Terminal 1 Wednesday, April 23, 2025: O'Hare Airport, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., especially Terminal 1 Friday, April 25, 2025: Aldi: 7235 39th St, Lyons, IL 6053, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2025: Shell: 3901 S. Harlem Ave., Stickney, IL 60402, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, April 28, 2025: Mobil: 2945 S. Harlem Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402, 10:20 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter IDPH urges all people over the age of 12 months to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine prior to traveling internationally. Individuals who may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms and notify their healthcare provider if they are unsure of prior vaccinations. If symptoms arise, they should notify the healthcare provider before arriving at a facility to ensure "special arrangements" that will prevent others from infection, according to health officials. Is Mmr Vaccine Safe For Kids? Dr. Nicole Saphier Addresses Concerns As Measles Cases Rise Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air, IDPH noted, adding that 90% of people close to an infected person will also become infected if not immunized against it. As of May 1, there have been 935 total cases of measles confirmed across the U.S., according to CDC data. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra wrote in a press release statement that while Illinois public health officials are working to prevent further spread, being fully immunized "remains the best and most effective way for everyone to protect themselves and those they love." For more Health articles, visit "The MMR vaccine is safe and effective," he said. "We encourage anyone who is unvaccinated, or under-vaccinated, to speak with their medical provider and take appropriate steps to get up to date on the recommended shots." Interim Cook County Department of Public Health COO Dr. Kiran Joshi added that there is a resurgence of measles in the U.S., despite the effectivenes of the MMR vaccine. "Misinformation has contributed to declining vaccination rates and fueled recent outbreaks," he said. "The MMR vaccine has been in use for over 50 years, is highly effective, and has protected millions of lives."Original article source: Measles scare at major airport: What to know about potential exposure
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Another state confirms measles case with infected child its first of year
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recently reported the state's first measles case of the year, identifying the patient as a child under 4 years old who recently traveled internationally. While the department released limited information about the patient, it confirmed the child lives in the northwest region. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed, according to a news release from VDH. Measles outbreaks have been declared in eight states, the most recent announced Thursday in Michigan. Measles Outbreaks Now Declared In 8 States, Including Michigan's First In 5 Years The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Oakland County Health Division confirmed the first case of measles in Oakland County March 14, and the state is up to eight cases detected this year. Read On The Fox News App "This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with international travel," said VDH epidemiologist Laurie Forlano. Forlano said the MMR vaccination remains the best defense against measles and is "safe and highly effective" at protecting people and preventing outbreaks. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. "We urge Virginians, especially those planning to travel, to check their vaccination status, talk to their health care provider and get the MMR vaccine if needed," she said. Measles Outbreak Continues: See Which States Have Reported Cases Anyone who was at the Kaiser Permanente Caton Hill Medical Center Advanced Urgent Care from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday or at the Kaiser Permanente Fredericksburg Medical Center Pediatrics Department from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday may have been exposed, officials said. Those who received a measles-containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine available in other countries), may be at risk of developing measles. However, those who received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or were born before 1957 are protected and do not need to take any action. In Virginia, about 95% of kindergartners are fully vaccinated. Is Mmr Vaccine Safe For Kids? Dr. Nicole Saphier Addresses Concerns As Measles Cases Rise However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated and others who are not vaccinated are susceptible to measles. Infants 6 months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally or to an area where an outbreak is reported should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, according to the VDH. Symptoms usually appear in two stages, with first-stage symptoms seven to 14 days after exposure being a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough. Dangerous Fungus Spreading In Us Hospitals Has 'Rapidly Increased' The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms begin, when a rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears, according to health officials. Fox News Digital's Angelica Stabile contributed to this article source: Another state confirms measles case with infected child its first of year
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles outbreaks now declared in 8 states, including Michigan's first in 5 years
Michigan has officially reported a measles outbreak in the state. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Oakland County Health Division confirmed its first case of measles in Oakland County on March 14. The department announced on April 17 a separate outbreak in Montcalm County, after three cases were confirmed. Measles Outbreak Continues: See Which States Have Reported Cases This is the first measles outbreak in Michigan since 2019, with eight total cases detected across the state in 2025. An outbreak refers to an incidence of three or more cases that share a source of infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read On The Fox News App Measles outbreaks have been identified in seven other U.S. states this year, including Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and California, according to the states' health departments. Is Mmr Vaccine Safe For Kids? Dr. Nicole Saphier Addresses Concerns As Measles Cases Rise As of April 10, 2025, the CDC has confirmed 712 cases of measles across the country. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, wrote in a statement that the Michigan outbreak "underscores how contagious measles is and how quickly it can spread." "The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine remains our best defense, and two doses of MMR offer 97% protection against measles," she said. "We urge all Michigan residents to check their vaccination records to ensure they are up-to-date with the MMR vaccine." The Montcalm County outbreak is reportedly linked to an ongoing, larger outbreak in Ontario, Canada. The MDHHS confirmed that as of April 17, there are no new public exposure sites to report. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter Measles is highly contagious, especially for those who are unvaccinated, as most cases across the country have occurred in unvaccinated, school-aged children. Common symptoms include fever, cough, red and watery eyes, runny nose and a rash that starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. Symptoms may appear seven to 14 days after exposure, MDHHS shared, reiterating that the best way to prevent infection is vaccination. For more Health articles, visit "MDHHS and MMDHD strongly encourage individuals aged 1 year and older who have not received the MMR vaccine to do so promptly to protect themselves and others," the department advised. "Vaccines are available at your doctor's office, most pharmacies and your local health department."Original article source: Measles outbreaks now declared in 8 states, including Michigan's first in 5 years
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Greene and Garcia clash over RFK Jr. and vaccines, measles outbreak
Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., clashed Wednesday over the actions of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with the Republican telling the Democrat, "You sound ignorant." The fiery exchange unfolded during a House Oversight Committee hearing on restoring trust in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where Garcia declared RFK Jr. "has been and will always be a tinfoil hat conspiracy theorist." "Our current HHS secretary is an anti-vax conspiracy theorist. And that is a fact. He caused a measles outbreak in another country that caused the death, absolutely," Garcia started saying before Greene interrupted him and said ,"No, he did not. That's a lie." "RFK did not cause a measles outbreak. You sound ignorant," Greene continued as the two began talking over each other. Rfk Jr Makes Texas Stop To Visit Family Of 6-Year-old Measles Victim, Push Mmr Vaccine "Miss Greene, you are an anti-vax conspiracy theorist yourself," Garcia told her. "You are the No. 1 anti-vax conspiracy theorist in this entire Congress." Read On The Fox News App "No, I am for choice. I am for parents and people choosing," she said, before claiming, "Vaccines kill people." Top Vaccine Official Allegedly Pushed Out Of Fda: Report RFK Jr. recently visited Texas to encourage people to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine amid rising measles cases. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz claimed in January ahead of RFK Jr.'s confirmation hearing, "In 2019, [RFK Jr.] flew to Samoa to discourage people from taking the measles vaccine, deepening hesitancy that was already building. "And it worked," the Democrat added. "Vaccination rates for eligible 1-year-olds fell to lower than 33%. And just five months later, Samoa found itself in the middle of a measles outbreak. Over 5,000 people got the measles. Eighty-three people died." Fox News Digital's Greg Wehner contributed to this article source: Greene and Garcia clash over RFK Jr. and vaccines, measles outbreak
