“Measles, once thought to be eradicated in the United States, has made a disturbing comeback. With outbreaks reported across the country and cases skyrocketing, it’s time to understand what we’re up against. Let’s dive into the root causes of this resurgence and explore how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from this highly contagious disease.”
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can live on surfaces for up to two hours. Measles symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and a rash that spreads all over the body. Measles can be serious, especially for young children and infants. The best way to protect against measles is to get vaccinated.
The measles vaccine is very effective. Two doses of the measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. The vaccine is usually given as part of a combination vaccine called the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is given to children at 12-15 months of age and again at 4-6 years of age. Adults who did not receive the MMR vaccine as children should get at least one dose of the vaccine.
The Recent Measles Outbreaks in America
Since the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, there have been significant decreases in measles cases and deaths in the United States. However, over the past few years, there has been a resurgence of measles cases in the U.S., with 667 cases reported in 27 states from January 1 to August 24, 2019. This is the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 2014, when 667 cases were reported for the entire year.
There are a few reasons for this recent increase in measles outbreaks in America. One reason is that some people are choosing not to vaccinate their children against measles. The CDC recommends that all children get two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which is highly effective at preventing measles. However, there are pockets of communities where vaccination rates are low and there is a greater risk for outbreaks of diseases like measles.
Another reason for the recent increase in measles outbreaks is that measles is still common in other parts of the world, and travelers can bring measles into the U.S., where it can spread to unvaccinated people. In fact, most of the measles cases reported in 2019 have been associated with international travel.
The best way to protect yourself and your community from measles is to make sure you and your family members are up-to-date on your vaccines. If you or someone you know has been exposed to measles, be sure to watch for symptoms such as fever
The Symptoms of Measles
There are a few tell-tale signs that you may have measles. These include:
-A fever of 101 degrees or higher
-Coughing
-Runny nose
-Red, watery eyes
-Small white spots on the inside of your mouth (Koplik’s Spots)
-A rash that starts on your face and spreads down your body
How to Prevent Measles
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Measles is spread through direct contact with an infected person or through the air, and can live on surfaces for up to two hours. The best way to prevent measles is to get the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and protects against all three viruses.
If you have not been vaccinated against measles, or are unsure if you are protected, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of exposure:
-Avoid close contact with people who are sick or displaying symptoms of measles.
-Stay away from crowded places where an outbreak is occurring.
-Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
-Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
-Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus.
Conclusion
Measles is an incredibly contagious disease that has been on the rise in recent years. It’s important to understand how it is spread, what its symptoms are, and why outbreaks have become more frequent in America. By understanding measles and taking steps to limit its spread, we can reduce the risk of infection for ourselves and our loved ones. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect against measles and ensure that future generations remain safe from this infectious disease.
