One thing the US really doesn't need right now is another outbreak of a Dickensian disease. However, due to an unvaccinated child arriving on a China Airlines flight, a warning has been issued about a possible measles outbreak.
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The incident occurred at JFK airport in Queens. According to the report, the child went through the airport and then boarded a bus to North Philadelphia. The child travelled a long distance on public transport before being diagnosed at a Philadelpihia clinic.
The warning issued states that potentially hundreds of people could have been infected. The child had contact with people in the airport, on the bus, and also in the clinic in Philadelphia. Measles is not a disease to be taken lightly, as it can be fatal and is very easily transmitted.
The child was taken to True North Pediatrics Associates of Plymouth in Plymouth Meeting and the CHOP King of Prussia Campus Emergency Department in King of Prussia. Further details of the child's movements will be released soon. Anyone with possible exposure to the measles infection will be notified.
Authorities Fear Further Measles Outbreak In US
This is not the first case of measles in the US in recent times. There have been a total of 145 confirmed cases in Texas alone since late January. This has led to the death of one child. There have also been two confirmed cases in New York, with fears that it may spread further.
As of February 27th, there are a total of 164 measles cases reported around the US. These have been found in Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island, and Texas.
Measles outbreaks, such as the potential one brought on the plane recently, have to be taken very seriously. The disease has not been a problem in the country for many years, and a significant number of people are not vaccinated against it. Around 10% of children have not received a vaccination.
This is due to a number of reasons, one being that people no longer considered it a threat. In 2000, the WHO declared that measles was no longer present in the US. However, travel and tourism can often reintroduce long-dead diseases, making vaccination essential.
