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News on the 2023 Measles Outbreaks

Breaking News – There have been at least 15 cases of measles already in the United States in 2023. (see below)

We started 2023 with an ongoing measles outbreak in Ohio, which has risen to at least 85 cases and spread to Kentucky!

There have been at least 15 cases of measles in the United States in 2023 including cases in California (1), Kentucky (2), Hawaii (2), Maine (1), Maryland (1), Ohio(4), Oregon (1), Utah (1), and Washington (2).
There have been at least 15 cases of measles in the United States in 2023 including cases in California (1), Kentucky (2), Hawaii (2), Maine (1), Maryland (1), Ohio(4), Oregon (1), Utah (1), and Washington (2).

After seeing a record high and low number of measles cases in the United States in the last few years, what can we expect in 2023, as measles epidemics are once again being reported around the world and travel restrictions have loosened??

2023 Measles Outbreaks

“As of February 23, 2023, we have surpassed 42 days, or two incubation periods, since the last rash onset, which fits the CDC’s definition of the end of an outbreak.”

Columbus Public Health

The Columbus, Ohio measles outbreak ended without any new cases in 2023!

Hopefully we won’t see another big outbreak this year…

So far, we have seen:

  • an unvaccinated adult in Washington who exposed others at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the Providence Swedish First Hill Emergency Department (Jan 2023)
  • a case in Powell County, Kentucky (Jan 2023)
  • an unvaccinated resident of Kentucky who attended a large spiritual revival on Asbury University’s campus (Feb 2023)
  • a Montgomery County, Ohio resident who was evaluated at the Dayton Children’s South Emergency Department (March 2023)
  • an unvaccinated Salt Lake County, Utah resident who had traveled outside the U.S (March 2023)
  • a partially vaccinated individual in Hood River County, Oregon (March 2023)
  • an unvaccinated O‘ahu resident returning from international travel (April 2023)
  • a case of measles in an O‘ahu resident who was exposed to the previously confirmed case in an international traveler
  • an unvaccinated individual in Summit County, Ohio (April 2023)
  • a case in a partially vaccinated child in Maine (May 2023)
  • a King County, Washington child with unknown exposure (no international travel) and unknown vaccination history, which led to the Aki Kurose Middle School transitioning to online classes (May 2023)
  • a resident of Montgomery County, Maryland (May 2023)

What’s next?

Unfortunately, I think we can expect more measles…

Less travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic has kept measles cases low in the United States, but unless folks get vaccinated and protected, they will rise as travel restrictions ease.

Get vaccinated and protected so that you don't get caught up in a measles outbreak. And at least get your kids vaccinated before you travel folks! Don't be responsible for starting a measles outbreak in your community.
Get vaccinated and protected so that you don’t get caught up in a measles outbreak. And at least get your kids vaccinated before you travel folks! Don’t be responsible for starting a measles outbreak in your community.

Are you vaccinated and protected with two doses of MMR?

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