(AP/DRG News and Farm)- The number of cases of measles in the U.S. continues to increase, but none of those cases are in South Dakota.
As of last week, national health officials say 465 measles cases have been reported this year, up from 387 the week before. While the numbers are preliminary, the 2019 tally is already the most since 2014, when 667 were reported. Prior to that, the highest number of measles reports was 963 in 1994.
Outbreaks have hit several states, including California, Michigan and New Jersey. New York City accounted for about two-thirds of the U.S. cases reported last week. Roughly 80% of the cases are age 19 or younger.
South Dakota state epidemiologist Dr. Josh Clayton says as of today (April 8), the South Dakota Department of Health has not identified a case of measles in the state.
Clayton recommends clinicians and the general public remain vigilant, since the number of measles cases nationally continues to increase. He says receipt of a single dose of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children get two doses of measles vaccine. It says the vaccine is 97% effective.
The CDC updated the numbers today (Mon.).
Please visit the CDC website for more information, including a list of states with cases: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
