It was found that a non -vaccinated man from New Mexico, who has recently died, was infected with measles. His death could be the second in a continuing outbreak that has more than 160 people in at least nine states.
The official cause of death is still examined by the New Mexico Office of the medical investigator, although it is Labors confirmed that the very contagious breathing virus in Lea County Man was available. He was not looking for medical care before his death, and no additional information about his age or identity was published.
The man's death takes place a little more than a week after Texas health officers have been announced Children of school age died In Gaines County-Der first measles death reported in America since 2015.
Measles were declared in the United States in 2000, but according to the US centers for the control and prevention of diseases, the falling vaccination rates have led to regular outbreaks.
After Lea County's death, the deputy state epidemiologist in New Mexico asked the residents to maintain the measles mumps rubella or MMR, vaccine, and called it the “best protection against this serious illness”.
The previously reported casesAccording to the CDC, 95% were in non -vaccinated people or people with an unknown vaccination status.
Texas has reported the main load of the outbreak with 159 cases and until Tuesday. New Mexico's Lea district, directly opposite the western border of Texas, had reported 10 cases on Thursday.
Southern California has reported a case in a child in Orange County, which landed on February 19 after travel to Asia at Los Angeles International Airport.
“Measles is a very contagious virus that can cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain and even death, especially young children who are not protected,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, health officer from Orange County. “In recent years, 25% of identified measles cases have been hospitalized in the United States.”
According to CDC, cases were also reported in Alaska, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York City and Rhode Island.
The outbreak has proven to be an early test for the newly confirmed secretary for health and human economy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well -known vaccine skeptic.
He Criticism of some epidemiologists drew So that not all Americans were urgently asked to obtain an MMR vaccine as soon as the outbreak began in mid-January.
In A Monday declaration, Kennedy said that vaccines “not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to the immunity of the community and protect those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons”.
He then said: “Until 1960 – before the introduction of the vaccine – improvements in sanitary facilities and nutrition have removed 98% of measles deaths”. He said that a good diet remains “a best defense against most chronic and infectious diseases” and that the decision to be vaccinated is “personal”.