Study Finds High Number of Measles Cases Misdiagnosed Before Detection
Missed diagnoses and exposure
The study found that almost 7 percent of U.S. cases involved at least one incorrect diagnosis in the two weeks before measles was confirmed. Researchers said these delays were not uncommon and could contribute to further transmission.
Outpatient settings accounted for 81 percent of the reported delays. The virus can remain in the air for hours, raising concerns about exposure in clinics and hospital waiting rooms.
The researchers noted that some doctors may not consider measles early because they have never encountered a case. The disease was eliminated in the United States in 2000, before the current resurgence.
Cases and reported deaths
Measles continues to spread in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Florida. The article links outbreaks to communities with low vaccination rates. All deaths reported so far this year occurred in Pennsylvania and involved people who were unvaccinated. The article does not provide a total number of cases or deaths.
Vaccination and health risks
Two doses of the vaccine targeting measles, mumps and rubella are 97 percent effective against measles infection and offer lifelong protection. The article says MMR vaccination rates have declined, citing state and federal data.
Key points
- Nearly 7 percent of U.S. measles cases were misdiagnosed at least once before confirmation.
- Outpatient settings accounted for 81 percent of diagnostic delays reported by researchers.
- Measles is spreading in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Florida; all deaths reported this year were in unvaccinated people in Pennsylvania.
- Two vaccine doses are 97 percent effective against measles infection.