The ongoing measles outbreak is raising alarms as health officials report 107 cases diagnosed across 21 states and the District of Columbia in 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This figure is particularly concerning given that we are still in August; for context, there were only 115 total cases reported in 15 states throughout all of 2017. The trend suggests we may be on track for a significant increase in cases before the year concludes.
Measles is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically include a high fever, red eyes, a full-body rash, and nasal congestion, which generally resolve within a couple of weeks. However, the CDC warns that approximately one or two out of every 1,000 children infected with measles may die from the illness.
The reported cases have been documented as of July 14 and include outbreaks in numerous states, including Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and many more. While this year’s mid-year count is alarming, it is still far below the 667 cases recorded in 2014, a year marked by a single outbreak that accounted for 338 cases.
Vaccination remains the most effective method for controlling measles outbreaks. Areas with lower vaccination rates, particularly those with unvaccinated populations, are experiencing the most severe outbreaks. The CDC emphasizes that most individuals contracting measles are unvaccinated.
Measles continues to be prevalent in regions such as Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa, and travelers returning to the U.S. can introduce the virus, where it can spread rapidly in communities with lower immunization levels. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has shown to be highly effective, with a single dose offering 93% protection and a second dose increasing that to 97%. The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between ages four and six.
Globally, measles is one of the deadliest childhood diseases, claiming the lives of approximately 450 children daily, according to the World Health Organization. Unvaccinated infants face the highest risk, which underscores the importance of herd immunity in protecting those unable to be vaccinated. Without widespread immunization, outbreaks are likely to persist and even escalate.
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In summary, the recent rise in measles cases highlights the critical need for vaccinations to prevent further outbreaks. Protecting vulnerable populations through immunization is essential for public health.
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