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That's 20 more cases than US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday in its weekly national update. This year, which is barely half completed, has the largest number of cases in a single year in nearly three decades.
"The thousandth case of a preventable disease such as measles is a disturbing reminder of the importance of this work to the public health of the country," continued Azar.
The number of cases recorded this year is the highest since 1992, when 2,237 cases of highly contagious disease were reported in the United States. This is the largest number of cases in a single year since its elimination throughout the country in 2000, which means that it was no longer transmitted continuously in the country.
Cases have been reported in more than half of the US states. New York has been the main contributor to this year's unfortunate milestone with nearly 700 measles cases reported this year in the state.
Clark County, Washington, reported the second largest outbreak in the United States this year, with more than 70 cases reported.
Very contagious
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases that exists. It spreads by coughing and sneezing. It can persist in the air for two hours. If a person not immunized against the virus breathes air or touches an infected surface, it can be infected, according to the CDC.
Once a person has measles, about 90% of close contacts who are susceptible will develop the disease. In the beginning, measles can be confused with other viral diseases such as influenza. But the rash with red spots that accompanies it can help to differentiate it.
The virus often manifests itself with a high fever, ranging up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by a cough, a runny nose, and a pink eye, according to Dr. Julia S Sammons, pediatrician, infectious diseases specialist and medical director of the department. Infection Prevention and Control at Philadelphia Children's Hospital.
To protect themselves, doctors recommend immediate vaccination. Other steps: Wash your hands often or use a disinfectant, avoid touching your eyes and mouth, disinfect surfaces and toys with ordinary household products and avoid close contact or sharing of your cutlery with sick people.
And if you have to cough or sneeze, use your sleeve or a tissue – but not your hands, says the CDC.
In summer?
Cases in the United States were imported from international trips. Local outbreaks begin when the highly contagious disease spreads to those who are not immunized against the virus for lack of vaccination. As the summer season is about to begin, there is reason to worry about the continued importation of measles among vacationers.
In his statement, Azar said the CDC had put in place an internal management structure to deal with epidemics, created toolkits to combat vaccine hesitancy, and contacted rabbinical and non-governmental organizations. Other associations to provide them with credible information.
"We can not say enough: vaccines are a safe and extremely effective public health tool, capable of preventing this disease and ending the current outbreak," Azar said. "The measles vaccine is one of the most studied medical products and is safely administered to millions of children and adults each year." I encourage all Americans to talk to your doctor about vaccines recommended to protect you and your family and children from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. "
Michael Nedelman and Sandee LaMotte from CNN contributed to this story.
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