In Utah, Measles Sickens Babies and Others Who Can’t Be Vaccinated
The New York Times • • health
Key Points:
- A measles outbreak in Utah has infected over 670 people, including many unvaccinated children and vulnerable groups such as babies under 1 year and pregnant women.
- Since the outbreak began, 23 infants under the typical vaccination age and 12 pregnant women have contracted measles, with one newborn infected by their mother.
- Immunocompromised individuals, who cannot receive the vaccine, are also among those infected, raising concerns due to their high risk of severe complications.
- Pregnant women face a tenfold increased risk of death from measles, along with risks of miscarriage and premature labor, while infants under one year risk a rare and fatal neurological condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
- Utah health officials recommend an additional early measles vaccine dose for babies aged 6 to 11 months to help protect them during the outbreak.