Indiana measles outbreak exceeds 100 confirmed cases

Indiana has recorded over 100 confirmed measles cases this year, the highest count in the state since the start of the 21st century. The outbreak, which began in early September, has risen from eight cases to 104, according to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH).

"This is a very serious situation because in the US we should have zero cases of measles," said epidemiologist Thomas Duszynski of Indiana University Indianapolis.

Hospitalizations account for roughly a quarter of the infections, and health officials warn that cooler weather may increase transmission as people spend more time indoors. Riley Hospital for Children has begun screening patients and visitors for measles-like symptoms.

"Measles hasn’t changed. What has changed is we’ve left gaps in our vaccination status," Duszynski added. "The other part of it too is that it likes to hang in the air up to two hours even after someone with infection may have left an area," said pediatric infectious disease specialist Samina Bhumbra of Riley.

Public health experts advise anyone exposed to the virus to consult a healthcare provider, seek treatment for serious complications, and consider vaccination if they are not up to date. Closing vaccination gaps is described as essential to bringing the disease, previously declared eliminated in the United States, back under control.

"The risks of getting the disease and a bad outcome are much higher than getting vaccinated," Duszynski said. "We have to be aware of the consequences of the disease itself, not only for today, but tomorrow and the coming weeks and months."