Summer travel to boost measles surge, infectious disease specialist says
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A horrible year for measles is about to get worse, according to a Northwestern University pediatric infectious disease specialist.
Why it matters: The U.S. is already facing its most measles cases in 33 years, with three confirmed deaths and 13% of cases requiring hospitalization.
What they're saying: Summer travel "all over the U.S. and abroad ... will increase the spread of measles," predicts Lurie Children's Hospital's Dr. Tina Tan, who serves as president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Catch up quick: A measles outbreak that started in February in a poorly vaccinated part of West Texas has since spread to 39 states, including Illinois, where 10 cases have been reported this year.
- In 92% of the 1,288 confirmed cases nationwide, the individuals were unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown.
Between the lines: While the MMR shot is safe and effective, vaccination coverage among kindergartners has now fallen below the herd immunity target of 95%, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Zoom in: The CPS measles vaccination rate stands at 93%, which Tan considers safe for fully vaccinated students but risky for those unvaccinated.
- Eight of Illinois' measles cases occurred in Southern Illinois, one in Cook County and one in Chicago.
- Last year, the state saw 67 cases.
Friction point: Last month, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members of the federal vaccine advisory panel (called ACIP) and replaced them with several people who have expressed anti-vaccine sentiments.
- Tan urges parents not to wait for new ACIP guidance as it is "anti-science, anti-vaccine and is not valid advice. Please make sure your child is up to date on all their vaccines in order to provide them with the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases."
- This week, the Illinois-based American Academy of Pediatrics joined other medical associations in suing HHS over the "unilateral, unscientific" vaccine policy recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines for kids and pregnant women.
The other side: HHS officials said in a statement that it continues to support community efforts in dealing with measles outbreaks through technical assistance, lab support and vaccines as requested.
Be smart: Tan advises adults who are unsure of their vaccination history to get another dose.
What we're watching: Friday morning, the Illinois Department of Public Health is scheduled to announce an update on state measles cases.