デラウェア州麻疹発生

デラウェア州ケント郡で確認された4人の感染例と流行宣言

Delaware declared a measles outbreak on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, after confirming four cases in Kent County, its first measles cluster in more than a decade and the state’s first confirmed case since July 20. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a measles outbreak is defined as three or more cases that are connected by time and location. The Delaware Division of Public Health announced Wednesday that the state has declared a measles outbreak after confirming two additional cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to four. Health officials in Delaware and Chester County, Pennsylvania, are urging residents to get vaccinated as measles cases continue to climb across the region. Delaware authorities formally declared a measles outbreak on Wednesday after confirming four cases, all involving unvaccinated adult men in Kent County, Delaware. The individuals who tested positive were both unvaccinated adult males in Kent County. DPH is unable to provide more details about the individuals who tested positive at this time due to medical privacy restrictions.

Dr. Robert Rosenbaum, medical director of the Delaware EMS and Preparedness section, said officials are still working to determine how the patients contracted the airborne virus. Measles is a highly contagious disease. It's why we vaccinate for it, he said. Rosenbaum added that investigators are conducting extensive contact tracing for the patients we identified, and we're watching to see if there are any additional cases. Chester County’s public health director reported 13 confirmed measles cases and anticipates more.

Residents expressed concern about the growing numbers. It's concerning, and I wouldn't be surprised if the numbers go up, said Taylor Williams of Claymont, Del. Health leaders warn that measles can lead to severe complications and even death. They continue to encourage vaccination to protect vulnerable groups, including infants, older adults and people who are immunocompromised. People who are unvaccinated, pregnant, immunocompromised, or too young to be vaccinated face the highest risk of severe complications during a measles outbreak, health officials said.

州当局は、特定された感染者との接触歴がある人々を対象とした大規模な接触者追跡調査を実施しています。接触が確認された住民に対しては、ワクチン接種歴の確認、啓発資料の提供、そして必要に応じた治療の推奨が行われています。Extensive contact tracing is ongoing to identify anyone exposed to the individuals who tested positive. DPH will notify people who were identified as exposed to confirm whether they have been vaccinated against measles, provide educational resources, and to recommend treatment when necessary. More information will be forthcoming if contact tracing reveals any known public exposures.

広域化する周辺地域の感染と全米の動向

The outbreak declaration came the same week the United States surpassed its full-year 2025 total, with 2,295 confirmed cases in 2026 according to Johns Hopkins University’s tracker, the highest annual count since the disease was declared eliminated in the country in 2000. There have been no measles deaths reported in the United States in 2026. Measles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning transmission had been consistently interrupted for 12 months or more. The country has held that elimination status for 26 years. With more than five months remaining in 2026 and 34 active outbreaks recorded across 44 jurisdictions, the Pan American Health Organization’s Regional Verification Commission will convene in November to assess whether the US retains its elimination designation. The CDC’s latest figures, updated July 16, were slightly below the Johns Hopkins tally and showed that the vast majority of infections were associated with active outbreaks. South Carolina, Utah and Texas have recorded some of the country’s largest outbreaks.

Delaware’s Timeline: From Zero to Outbreak in Three Days: July 20: Delaware DPH confirms the state’s first measles case in more than a decade. Contact tracing begins immediately. July 21: A second unvaccinated adult male in Kent County tests positive. Incoming Delaware Surgeon General Dr. Neil Hockstein issues a public statement. July 22: Delaware declares a measles outbreak after confirming four cases.

Vaccination remains the best protection against measles, said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Christen Linke Young. I’m encouraged to see Delawareans taking action — more than 60 people received MMR vaccinations today at DPH clinics and mobile health units. Delawareans are encouraged to confirm their vaccination status as well as the status of their children. If they are unsure of their vaccination status, they can visit the DelVAX Public Portal and view their personal profile. Individuals may also contact their primary health care provider for additional details if they are unable to obtain their records on DelVAX. Generally, anyone showing any symptoms of measles should seek immediate health care by contacting their primary health care provider. If symptoms are severe, they should seek immediate care at the nearest emergency department. Prior to going to any health care facility, the individual should call ahead. Early symptoms for measles include fever, cough, runny nose and pink eye. A rash typically occurs three to five days after symptoms begin and usually appears on the face and spreads down the body.

ワクチン接種の効果と当局が推奨する予防策

Rosenbaum emphasized the effectiveness of the vaccine, noting that the immunity and protection rate with the full vaccination series is well over 97%. If you're vaccinated, you are extremely well protected. He said individuals are considered immune if they were born before 1957, have lab-confirmed immunity, or received two doses of the vaccine between ages 12 and 15 months and again between ages 4 and 6. Testing shows the MMR vaccine to be 97% effective at preventing measles for those who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine and are not severely immunocompromised, health officials said.

Unvaccinated individuals or those unsure of their vaccination status who get exposed to a person with measles are urged to contact their primary health care provider or a public health clinic to obtain an MMR vaccine. Dr. Diego Hijano, a pediatric infectious disease expert from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, answers your questions on how the MMR vaccine can protect communities.

“Measles is one of the most preventable diseases because we have a safe and highly effective vaccine. This case is a reminder to check your family’s vaccination records. Staying up to date on the MMR vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and help prevent the spread of measles in our communities,” said incoming Delaware Surgeon General Dr. Neil Hockstein in a public statement.

If you or a family member develop symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, pink eye, or a rash, health officials advise contacting a qualified healthcare professional immediately by phone before visiting any clinic or emergency department. Do not attempt to self-diagnose; consult qualified medical professionals for personal guidance, testing, and treatment options.