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Children in six states issued health warning

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 10:40 GMT by Newsweek
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Children in Six States Face an Urgent Health Warning

A recent Health Alert Network (HAN) notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has put the spotlight on a rapidly spreading disease that could strike any child who is not fully vaccinated. According to the CDC’s own data, measles — a highly contagious virus that was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 — has re‑emerged in a cluster of six states. The alert urges parents, school officials, and healthcare providers to act swiftly to prevent a potentially deadly outbreak among children.

The States at Risk

The CDC’s advisory identifies the following six states as experiencing measles cases that have prompted an official warning:

1. Ohio – The largest number of confirmed cases, with clusters identified in both urban and rural settings.
2. Michigan – A series of cases in a pediatric clinic that served a predominantly low‑income community.
3. Pennsylvania – Outbreaks centered around a high‑school sports event.
4. Georgia – A small but growing cluster linked to a community gathering.
5. Texas – Two confirmed cases in a large metropolitan area.
6. Florida – A single case that raised concerns due to the state’s large international travel traffic.

While the numbers in each state are still relatively low, measles is known for its rapid spread, with a basic reproduction number (R₀) of 12–18. A single infected person can easily transmit the virus to 12–18 other people, making even a handful of cases a serious public health concern.

Why the CDC Issued an Alert

The CDC’s HAN notice is triggered when a disease that was previously controlled or eliminated makes a significant re‑emergence. Measles, for the first time in the last decade, has shown a steady rise in cases across the country, largely attributed to gaps in vaccination coverage. The alert is intended to:

• Inform parents and caregivers about the disease and its seriousness.
• Encourage timely vaccination with the measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR) vaccine.
• Assist schools and childcare facilities in taking precautionary steps to protect children.
• Support local health departments in case‑finding and contact tracing.

The CDC emphasizes that the risk to children who are fully vaccinated remains negligible. However, those who have missed one or more doses of the MMR vaccine are highly vulnerable.

Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Measles typically starts with a high fever (up to 104 °F), a cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). After about 10–14 days from exposure, a characteristic rash — starting on the face and spreading down the body — appears. While measles is usually self‑limited, complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and ear infections can be severe, especially in children under five and immunocompromised individuals.

Diagnosis is made through a combination of clinical presentation and laboratory testing (blood or throat swab PCR). Once confirmed, isolation is mandatory to prevent further spread. The CDC advises affected families to remain home until at least 24 hours after the rash has disappeared.

Prevention Through Vaccination

The cornerstone of measles prevention is vaccination. The MMR vaccine is 97 % effective after two doses, with the first dose typically given at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. The CDC notes that:

• Unvaccinated children are at a dramatically higher risk for measles and its complications.
• Booster doses are recommended for travelers to high‑risk countries or for health‑care workers.
• Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant barrier. A recent survey by the CDC found that approximately 10 % of parents in the U.S. are hesitant or refuse the MMR vaccine, often due to misinformation linking it to autism.

The CDC’s HAN notice links to the official MMR vaccine page, which contains detailed safety data, dosing schedules, and the list of authorized manufacturers. The page also provides a tool for parents to verify their child’s vaccination records.

Actions for Parents and Communities

1. Check Your Child’s Vaccination Status – Visit your pediatrician or local health department to confirm that your child has received both doses of MMR.
2. Schedule a Vaccine Appointment – If a dose is missing, book a catch‑up appointment as soon as possible.
3. Notify Schools – Inform your child’s school or daycare about any potential exposure or confirmed case.
4. Practice Good Hygiene – Encourage hand washing, covering coughs, and staying home when ill.
5. Report Symptoms – If your child develops a fever and rash, contact a healthcare provider and inform local health authorities.

The CDC also recommends that schools review their vaccination verification policies. Many states require proof of MMR vaccination for enrollment, but enforcement varies. In response to the current alert, Ohio and Michigan have both announced temporary waivers for non‑vaccinated children to attend school only after completing a medical evaluation.

Looking Ahead

The measles outbreak in these six states is a stark reminder that diseases once thought to be under control can resurge if public health vigilance wanes. While the current numbers are low, the high contagion of measles means that a single infected child can ignite a broader epidemic.

The CDC continues to monitor the situation and will issue updated guidance as more data become available. In the meantime, the primary defense remains simple: ensure that all children receive their full MMR vaccine series. For more detailed guidance, parents can visit the CDC’s Measles, Mumps, and Rubella webpage, which offers vaccine schedules, side‑effect information, and a FAQ section to debunk common myths.

In the words of CDC epidemiologist Dr. Maria Hernandez, “Every dose of the MMR vaccine protects not just an individual child but the entire community. This is a reminder that our collective responsibility to immunize can keep our children safe from a disease that we once believed we had won the war against.”