Measles Cases Rise in Missouri Amid Vaccination Concerns
ST. LOUIS — Missouri health officials confirmed a third measles case Tuesday in New Madrid County, closely monitored following an unvaccinated adult’s visit to the St. Louis Aquarium last week. This recent infection raises alarms as health departments also investigate potential exposures connected to the busy site.
Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, director of the St. Louis health department, noted that the individual, who toured the aquarium on April 30, also dined in the area but left limited details for tracking potential contact. Current investigations are led by the Illinois Department of Public Health, making it difficult to assess local exposure risks.
Health officials are swiftly reaching out to aquarium visitors, especially school groups that were present during the exposure window. Precautionary cleaning measures at the aquarium have been reinforced, with 939 patrons recorded on the day of exposure. Measles, a highly contagious respiratory virus, can linger on surfaces for hours, prompting rapid notification efforts.
As of May 1, the CDC reported 935 measles cases across the U.S. this year, the second-highest annual total in 25 years. Vaccination rates have plummeted post-pandemic, particularly in Missouri, where public school kindergarteners show a vaccination rate of less than 91%. Health officials stress the need for a 95% vaccination rate to curb disease spread, urging adults uncertain about their vaccination status to consult healthcare providers. Proactive measures are crucial to ensure community safety and prevent further outbreaks.
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