Measles Hits Vulnerable: Babies and Pregnant Women Ill in Utah

A measles outbreak in Utah has led to over 670 infections since last summer, with a troubling number of cases among those unable to be vaccinated. The virus has sickened 23 infants under one year old, the age typically receiving the first MMR vaccine dose. Twelve pregnant women have also been infected, including one who transmitted measles to her newborn. Pediatric infectious disease specialists report treating hospitalized immunocompromised children with measles. These vulnerable groups, though a minority of total cases, face heightened risks of severe complications. Pregnant women are ten times more likely to die from measles, and the virus can cause miscarriage or premature labor. Infants infected before their first birthday are at greater risk of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a rare and fatal neurological condition. Health officials recommend an early measles vaccine dose for babies aged 6 to 11 months due to the outbreak's severity.