US measles cases surge nearly 20% in a week, CDC says
As of 11 April, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded 555 cases of the disease since the beginning of the year, up from 465 cases confirmed by 4 April.
The cases were found in 20 states spanning the country.
The measles virus is highly contagious and can lead to complications and death, particularly in children. The CDC report did not say whether there have been any fatalities.
The US outbreak is part of a worldwide rise.
The World Health Organization reported on Monday that global cases had risen nearly fourfold in the first quarter of 2019 to 112,163 compared with the same period last year.
A growing and vocal fringe of parents in the United States oppose vaccines, believing, contrary to scientific evidence, that ingredients in them can cause autism or other disorders.
Five parents filed a lawsuit with the New York state court against the city’s health department on Monday, requesting a halt to emergency orders requiring the measles vaccine on the grounds that it goes against their religious beliefs.
“There is insufficient evidence of a measles epidemic or dangerous outbreak to justify the respondents’ extraordinary measures, including forced vaccination,” said the lawsuit, identifying the parents only by their initials.
No comments:
Post a Comment