UPDATE: Delaware Declares Measles Outbreak Following Four Positive Cases

UPDATE: The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has declared a measles outbreak following four positive cases in the state.

The CDC defines a measles outbreak as three or more cases of measles that are connected by time and location. DPH makes the outbreak announcement following two more confirmed cases on Wednesday, Jul. 22. All four cases have been found in unvaccinated males in Kent County. 

People who are unvaccinated, pregnant, immunocompromised, or too young to be vaccinated face the highest risk of severe complications during a measles outbreak. As a result, anyone in those groups who has come into contact with someone suspected to have measles should immediately contact their primary care provider or Delawares Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 302-744-4990 for guidance. 

DPH officials say unvaccinated individuals who get exposed should contact their primary care provider or a public health clinic to obtain an MMR vaccine. Testing shows the MMR vaccine to be 97% effective at preventing measles for those who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine and are not severely immunocompromised.

WMDT will continue to update this story as details are made available. 

UPDATE: The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is reporting its second confirmed measles case. 

The announcement follows a case confirmed the day prior, the first confirmed measles case in Delaware in more than a decade. The second individual who tested positive has also been identified as an unvaccinated adult male in Kent County.

“Measles is one of the most preventable diseases because we have a safe and highly effective vaccine,” said incoming Delaware Surgeon General Dr. Neil Hockstein. “This case is a reminder to check your family’s vaccination records. Staying up to date on the MMR vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and help prevent the spread of measles in our communities.”

Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Christen Linke Young says vaccinations were up following yesterday’s positive case announcement. More than 60 people received MMR vaccinations today at DPH clinics and mobile health units across the state on Tuesday.

This update was published on Jul. 21 at 6:09 p.m.

KENT COUNTY, Del. – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is reporting its first confirmed measles case in more than a decade.

Officials say a sample was tested and confirmed positive on Monday, and extensive contact tracing is ongoing to identify anyone exposed to the tested individual. DPH will notify people who were identified as exposed to confirm whether they have been vaccinated against measles, provide educational resources, and to recommend treatment when necessary. More information will be forthcoming if contact tracing reveals any known public exposures.

DPH says the individual who tested positive is an unvaccinated adult male in Kent County, but that they are unable to provide more details about the individual who tested positive at this time due to medical privacy restrictions.

At this time, Delawareans are encouraged to confirm their vaccination status as well as the status of their children. If you are unsure of your or your children’s vaccination status, you can visit the DelVAX Public Portal and view your personal profile. Individuals may also contact their primary health care provider for additional details if they are unable to obtain their records on DelVAX.

Anyone showing any symptoms of measles should seek immediate health care by contacting their primary care provider. If symptoms are severe, seek immediate care at the nearest emergency department. Prior to going to any health care facility, individuals should notify providers and medical transport that they or their child were exposed to measles.

This article was originally published on Jul. 20 at 4:39 p.m.