‘World’s most contagious disease’ spreads in US with more than 100 kids exposed

Concerns have been sparked in the US after more than 100 children were exposed to one of the world's most contagious diseases.

Health officials in Sacramento, California have warned about the potential for a 'viral explosion' after around 130 children were potentially exposed to Measles.

An unvaccinated child who was infectious at the time, attended an educational enrichment program in Sacramento County last week.

The facility has temporarily been closed following the incident but it could well be too late, as Measles is one of the most infectious diseases out there and can be spread from one person to as many as 18 in an unprotected environment.

“Measles, one of the most contagious infections, can lead to severe life-long consequences including permanent brain damage and can also be fatal, especially for children,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH director and state public health officer, in a March 6 news release.

“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and provides long-lasting protection against measles. Vaccination protects both our own families and those who are too young to be fully vaccinated.”

Measles is usually identified by its distinct rash (Getty Stock)

There is hope that the children who were potentially exposed will have been vaccinated against the disease, which helped to prevent a reported 59 million deaths between 2000 and 2024.

But in 2024 alone, there were an estimated 95 000 measles deaths globally, and that number is only likely to rise as more people succumb to online misinformation about vaccines, particularly under a secretary of health who has been extremely vocal about his anti-vax opinions, having previously suggested that 'autism comes from vaccines'.

Speaking ahead of his appointment as Donald Trump's secretary of health, Dr David Elliman, a consultant in community child health at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, said RFK Jr has perpetuated myths around vaccination with “an utter disregard for the evidence”.

He told the BBC: “If he is appointed and continues in the same mode, I fear not just for the vaccination programme in the US, but similar programmes around the world, and for healthcare in general.

"Vaccination has probably saved more lives and is better researched than most, if not all, aspects of healthcare. RFK Jr could set this back and be responsible for the death and disability of myriads of people, particularly children.”

RFK Jr has been criticised for his anti-vax approach (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Six cases of Measles have been confirmed in Sacramento and the neighbouring Placer county in the past 12 months, while one of the infected children has since been treated at a hospital, meaning the staff there have been forced to track down every patient and staff member who was there during that time.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, cough, runny nose, and sore/red eyes, usually followed by a distinct rash. It can also lead to serious problems in the brain or lungs in some cases, especially in babies, the unvaccinated and immunosuppressed.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation also confirmed earlier this year that the UK had lost its eradication status, having it was declared Measles free in both 2017 and 2021, thanks to the benefits of the MMR vaccine and the low circulation during the Coronavirus pandemic.