Measles exposures possible from case detected in Multnomah County following travel abroad – KGW

Report on Oregon’s First Confirmed Measles Case in 2024 and Its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

In June 2024, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) confirmed the first known case of measles in Oregon for the year. This report outlines the details of the case, potential public exposure, and emphasizes the critical role of vaccination in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Case Overview

1. An adult patient in Multnomah County was hospitalized on June 19, 2024, exhibiting measles symptoms including rash and conjunctivitis.
2. The patient had recently returned to Oregon after international travel.
3. Discharged from hospital on June 21, the patient is currently recovering.
4. Laboratory confirmation of measles was received on June 23, 2024.

Potential Public Exposure

Health officials identified several instances where the public may have been exposed to the virus after the patient sought treatment:

• Flight UA1832/SN8869 (Brussels Air Operated by United Airlines) on June 17, economy cabin; Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Portland International Airport.
• Portland International Airport arrivals and baggage claim area between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on June 17.
• Safeway store at 401 A Ave., Lake Oswego, Clackamas County, between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on June 22.

Source and Transmission

The patient is believed to have contracted measles during international travel within the previous four to five weeks. This case is not linked to any domestic measles outbreaks in the United States.

Public Health Advisory and SDG Alignment

Dr. Paul R. Cieslak, Medical Director for Communicable Diseases and Immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division, emphasized the importance of vaccination:

“Measles is now in Oregon, and if you’re not vaccinated, you are susceptible. Exposure to a contagious individual can result in infection from four days before to four days after the rash appears.”

“Symptoms may take up to three weeks to appear, and individuals can unknowingly transmit the virus during this period. Therefore, it is crucial that all adults and children maintain up-to-date vaccinations.”

Measles Symptoms and Risk Groups

• Initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
• A characteristic rash typically begins on the face and spreads to the body.
• Symptoms develop between 7 and 21 days post-exposure.
• High-risk groups include unvaccinated individuals, pregnant women, infants under one year, and immunocompromised persons.
• Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection and complications.

Recommendations for Suspected Cases

1. Individuals with a measles-like rash or known exposure within the last 21 days should avoid visiting medical facilities unannounced.
2. Contact healthcare providers by phone first to arrange appropriate care and prevent further transmission.

Conclusion and SDG Implications

This measles case highlights the ongoing need for robust public health measures to prevent communicable diseases, directly supporting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Ensuring widespread vaccination coverage aligns with targets to reduce preventable diseases and promote healthy lives for all ages. Public awareness, timely diagnosis, and vaccination are essential components in achieving these goals and safeguarding community health.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses a confirmed case of measles, a vaccine-preventable disease, highlighting issues related to infectious disease control, vaccination, and public health response.

2. Specific Targets under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator 3.3.1: Number of new cases of measles per 1,000,000 population.
   • The article mentions a confirmed measles case and possible public exposure, implying the importance of tracking new cases to measure progress in controlling the disease.
2. Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services, including vaccination coverage.
   • The emphasis on vaccination status and the call for all adults and children to be up to date on vaccinations implies monitoring vaccination coverage as a key indicator.
3. Indicator 3.b.1: Proportion of the target population covered by all vaccines included in the national program.
   • The article stresses the effectiveness of vaccinations in lowering measles risk, implying the need to measure vaccine coverage in the population.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kgw.com