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NEW YORK (CNN) – The measles epidemic in the United States continues to grow, with the number of cases reaching 1,044 this year on Friday, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
These cases have been confirmed in 28 states.
The states that reported cases to the CDC are as follows: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mbadachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada , New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.
The number of cases registered this year is the highest recorded in the United States since 1992 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000, meaning that it was no longer transmitted continuously in the country.
Earlier this month, the number of measles cases exceeded 1,000 in the United States.
At the time, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said in a statement that "the Department of Health and Human Services actively employs it to promote safety and security. The effectiveness of vaccines, among worrying signs that there are pockets of under-vaccination in the country.The thousandth case of a preventable disease such as measles is a disturbing reminder of the importance of this work for the public health of the country. "
Ongoing measles outbreaks in various states are linked to travelers who have brought the measles virus back into other countries such as Israel, Ukraine and the Philippines, where large measles outbreaks have occurred. occur, according to the CDC.
In any given year, the number of measles cases may continue to increase due to the increased number of travelers coming into contact with the measles virus abroad and then returning it to the United States . Measles can spread further in communities with pockets of unvaccinated people, the CDC noted.
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.
To protect themselves, doctors recommend immediate vaccination. Other steps: wash your hands often or use a hand sanitizer, avoid touching your eyes and mouth, disinfect surfaces and toys with common household products and avoid close contact or sharing of your cutlery with sick people.
The-CNN-Wire ™ and © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
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