34 open measles investigations but no confirmed cases in Alabama, health officials say

The Public Health Department of Alabama has opened 34 investigations into possible cases of measles, but no cases have been confirmed, officials said.

The state has investigated 211 cases of measles reported since last April, but so far none of these incidents has proven to be a highly contagious virus. Since 1 January, 704 cases of measles have been reported nationally, a peak from the previous 2014 peak of 667 people infected with the virus.

Twenty-two states have reported cases of measles, but outbreaks are limited to areas of Rockland County, New York; New York City; Washington State; New Jersey; Butte, California County; and Michigan among health officials considered as countries with a higher number of unvaccinated persons.

The outbreaks were attributed to travelers who brought back measles from other countries such as Israel, Ukraine and the Philippines, where large outbreaks of measles occur, said the Centers for Disease Control.

According to the ADPH, nearly 93% of children enrolled in public and private schools in Alabama were up to date with vaccination.

Concerns about the spread of the virus in Alabama have increased after the ADPH confirmed last week that a person with measles had gone into the state until 39. in Tennessee, stopping at a gas station and a fast food restaurant.

Measles can live up to two hours in the air or on the surface after an infected person coughs or sneezes. People infected with the virus can pass it on to other people four days before and four days after it is signed, with a rash appearing and a single case of measles will infect up to 95% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus. virus.

The symptoms of measles appear 7 to 14 days after infection.

The current two-dose vaccine regimen, however, is 97% effective after the disease.