Rachel V Thomas

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Congenital Measles Reported In Pennsylvania For First Time In Decades: What Parents Should Know

Pennsylvania’s health department has issued a health alert on <span>congenital measles</span> for the first time in decades as cases rise among pregnant women and newborns.

As of October 19, Pennsylvania had reported 1,286 <span>measles</span> cases across 42 counties, with 247 hospitalizations and six reported deaths. At least 50 pregnant women have reportedly been affected.

At least one death has been linked to congenital measles. The first death reported in the current outbreak was that of a newborn boy who died immediately after birth while his mother was severely ill with measles.

The health department said the outbreak had raised concerns about congenital measles, which has not been identified in the state for decades. The alert provides clinical guidance on managing measles during pregnancy and in newborns.

Decades of <span>MMR</span> vaccination meant many doctors had never encountered such cases. However, declining vaccination rates have allowed measles to spread in under-vaccinated communities.

Nationwide, 4,410 confirmed measles cases had been reported as of October 15, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of these, 96% were in unvaccinated people.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/what-happens-after-measles-infection-the-hidden-risks-that-can-last-for-years-article-156333523" data-type="tilCustomLink">What Happens After Measles Infection? The Hidden Risks That Can Last For Years</a>

Congenital measles occurs when a pregnant woman contracts measles and transmits the virus to her fetus through the placenta.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (<span>ACOG</span>), newborns with clinical or laboratory evidence of measles within the first 10 days of life following exposure in the womb are considered to have congenital measles.

Historical reports suggest that transmission occurs in approximately 25% to 30% of cases when the mother develops measles in the days before delivery, although data are limited.

<h2>What Happens to Babies With Congenital Measles?</h2>

Congenital measles can range from an asymptomatic infection to severe disease and death, according to ACOG. Symptoms may include fever, rash and jaundice. Complications can include pneumonia, low platelet counts and neurological problems. The rash may appear late, look different or be absent.

<h2>Can Congenital Measles Be Fatal? What To Watch For In Newborns?</h2>

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/measles-cases-are-rising-in-uswho-should-get-a-booster-shot-article-156259445" data-type="tilCustomLink">Measles Cases Are Rising in US—Who Should Get A Booster Shot?</a>

Before immune globulin became widely used, congenital measles mortality was reported to be as high as 30%.

Affected newborns also face an increased risk of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare, fatal brain disease that can develop months to years after infection. 

ACOG advises considering newborns at risk of symptomatic, transmissible measles if they are born after maternal symptoms begin and up to 14 days after the mother's rash onset.

Asymptomatic newborns who initially test negative may be considered for repeat testing on day 10 of life to check for infection acquired in the womb.

<h2>How Can Parents Protect Their Babies From Measles?</h2>

MMR vaccination before pregnancy is the best way to prevent measles during pregnancy and reduce the risk of congenital measles.

Women without evidence of immunity should receive at least one MMR dose in non-outbreak settings and two doses at least 28 days apart during outbreaks.

Because MMR is a live vaccine, it should not be given during pregnancy. Women should avoid pregnancy for 28 days after vaccination.

Pregnant women who may have been exposed to measles or are unsure of their immunity should promptly contact their healthcare provider.

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Pennsylvania’s health department has issued a health alert on congenital measles for the first time in decades as cases rise among pregnant women and newborns.As of October 19, Pennsylvania had reported 1,286 measles cases across 42 counties, with 247 hospitalizations and six reported deaths. At least 50 pregnant women have reportedly been affected.At least one death has been linked to congenital measles. The first death reported in the current outbreak was that of a newborn boy who died immediately after birth while his mother was severely ill with measles.The health department said the outbreak had raised concerns about congenital measles, which has not been identified in the state for decades. The alert provides clinical guidance on managing measles during pregnancy and in newborns.Decades of MMR vaccination meant many doctors had never encountered such cases. However, declining vaccination rates have allowed measles to spread in under-vaccinated communities.Nationwide, 4,410 confirmed measles cases had been reported as of October 15, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of these, 96% were in unvaccinated people.Also read: What Happens After Measles Infection? The Hidden Risks That Can Last For YearsWhat Is Congenital Measles?Congenital measles occurs when a pregnant woman contracts measles and transmits the virus to her fetus through the placenta.According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), newborns with clinical or laboratory evidence of measles within the first 10 days of life following exposure in the womb are considered to have congenital measles.Historical reports suggest that transmission occurs in approximately 25% to 30% of cases when the mother develops measles in the days before delivery, although data are limited.What Happens to Babies With Congenital Measles?Congenital measles can range from an asymptomatic infection to severe disease and death, according to ACOG. Symptoms may include fever, rash and jaundice. Complications can include pneumonia, low platelet counts and neurological problems. The rash may appear late, look different or be absent.Can Congenital Measles Be Fatal? What To Watch For In Newborns?Read More: Measles Cases Are Rising in US—Who Should Get A Booster Shot?Before immune globulin became widely used, congenital measles mortality was reported to be as high as 30%.Affected newborns also face an increased risk of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare, fatal brain disease that can develop months to years after infection. ACOG advises considering newborns at risk of symptomatic, transmissible measles if they are born after maternal symptoms begin and up to 14 days after the mother's rash onset.Asymptomatic newborns who initially test negative may be considered for repeat testing on day 10 of life to check for infection acquired in the womb.How Can Parents Protect Their Babies From Measles?MMR vaccination before pregnancy is the best way to prevent measles during pregnancy and reduce the risk of congenital measles.Women without evidence of immunity should receive at least one MMR dose in non-outbreak settings and two doses at least 28 days apart during outbreaks.Because MMR is a live vaccine, it should not be given during pregnancy. Women should avoid pregnancy for 28 days after vaccination.Pregnant women who may have been exposed to measles or are unsure of their immunity should promptly contact their healthcare provider.

congenital measles reported in pennsylvania for first time in decades: what parents should know

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