Measles in the United States: What You Should Know

 

Measles

So far this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 45 cases of measles in 17 jurisdictions in the United States. This marks an increase compared to the previous year when 58 cases were reported for the entire year. This trend has put public health authorities on alert and, therefore, about the importance of vaccination and prevention.

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, has been considered eradicated in the United States for nearly 25 years. However, recent outbreaks and rising cases highlight the fragility of this situation.

Reintroduction of the virus into the country usually occurs when it is brought from abroad by unvaccinated travelers. With more than 9 million cases and 136,000 deaths worldwide in 2022, measles remains a global threat.

Also Read: Research Reveals a Way to Avoid Cavities in Children

Unvaccinated children and immunocompromised people are most vulnerable to complications from measles, which include serious and life-threatening infections of the ears, lungs, and brain. Additionally, approximately one in five infected unvaccinated people require hospitalization, and between one and three in every 1,000 infections result in death.

This year, measles cases in the United States have emerged in multiple locations scattered across the country, in contrast to previous outbreaks that were concentrated in specific communities.

This pattern presents unique challenges for control and prevention, as the dispersion of cases makes it difficult to identify sources of infection and implement effective preventive measures.

Lack of vaccination against measles

Lack of vaccination is a key factor in the resurgence of measles in the United States. According to a CDC report, about 7 percent of preschool children have not received the measles vaccine, and vaccine exemptions have reached an all-time high in some states.

Additionally, many parents are choosing to delay vaccinating their children, thereby increasing vulnerability to the more serious effects of measles.

The World Health Organization warns that the risk of a measles outbreak increases dramatically if more than 5 percent of people in a community are unvaccinated. With non-vaccination rates above 5 percent in some states and geographic areas, there is a high risk that measles will spread further in the United States.

Vaccination remains the best strategy to prevent measles and its complications. For example, the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is highly effective and safe.

It is recommended that all babies receive two doses of this vaccine, the first at 12 months and the second at 4 or 6 years. Additionally, adults who do not have evidence of prior vaccination should consider vaccination, especially those who work in the healthcare sector or plan to travel to areas with high measles circulation.

The fight against measles requires a joint community effort and adequate support from public health authorities. It is essential to educate the public about the importance of vaccination, provide easy access to vaccines, and address concerns and misinformation about vaccines.