The Monongalia County Health Department in West Virginia confirmed on Monday that an adult patient within the county has tested positive for measles, marking the first known case in the state since 2009.
Health officials are currently investigating the source of the infection, though the patient had recently traveled abroad. Despite being partially vaccinated with one dose of the two-dose measles vaccine, the patient developed symptoms and sought medical attention through the WVU Medicine system. They were instructed to self-isolate at home while awaiting lab results.
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to potentially severe complications. Dr. Brian H. Huggins, the county health department’s incoming health officer, emphasized the seriousness of the illness and urged the public to take it seriously.
Nationally, measles cases in 2024 have almost doubled compared to all of 2023, raising concerns among health experts about the preventable and once-common childhood virus. Cases have been confirmed in at least 17 states, including major cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 113 cases had been documented as of April 5th, with seven outbreaks reported and 73% of U.S. cases linked to these flare-ups.
While the current count is lower than in recent years, such as the 667 cases in 2014 and 1,274 in 2019, most U.S. cases originate from travelers returning from countries where measles is more prevalent.
West Virginia’s strict school vaccination laws, which only allow medical exemptions, have contributed to the state’s low incidence of measles since 2009. However, Republican Governor Jim Justice recently vetoed a bill that would have allowed certain exemptions for students not attending traditional public schools or not participating in sports and other group activities.
