Measles Cases: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising Americans to ensure they are fully protected against measles before traveling abroad this summer.
According to the CDC, individuals should receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine at least two weeks prior to traveling to areas where measles outbreaks are active.
Having two doses of the vaccine offers 97% protection against the virus. However, individuals who haven’t been vaccinated are at a very high risk of getting sick even with brief exposure.
The CDC states that a person can contract measles by simply being in a room where an infected person has been, even up to two hours after that person has left.
For children, it is recommended to receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose when they start kindergarten, typically around 4 to 6 years old. Teens and adults who haven’t received the vaccine should get two doses at least 28 days apart, as advised by the CDC.
Rising measles cases in the United States
Recent data reveals that measles cases are on the rise in the United States after declining during the lockdown period. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that as of June 8, 16 cases of measles had been reported in the first five months of 2023, compared to just 3 cases during the same period in 2022.
Alarmingly, 88% of these cases were related to international travel, highlighting the role of global transmission in the resurgence of measles. Many affected individuals have not received the measles vaccine, leaving them at high risk of contracting the disease even after brief exposure.
A recent incident in Fresno County, California further underscores the urgency of the situation. Health officials have confirmed two measles cases in the same household, but the source of infection is unknown. Dr. Rhys Vohra, Fresno County’s health officer, emphasized the critical role of vaccinations in protecting the community and urged parents to consult pediatricians or contact the health department to ensure their children are up-to-date on vaccinations.
The resurgence of measles is not limited to the United States. In 2019, two significant outbreaks in New York led to 1,274 cases, a level not seen since 1992. Similar outbreaks are now increasingly being reported in various regions around the world, particularly in India, Indonesia, parts of the Middle East, and significant parts. Africa.
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In the United Kingdom, health officials have reported 49 cases of measles since the start of the year, up from 54 cases in the previous year.
These developments emphasize the critical importance of vaccination as the most effective preventive measure against measles. It is imperative for them to ensure that individuals are fully immunized to protect themselves and society at large.
By staying informed, following vaccination recommendations, and taking proactive measures, we can collectively combat the resurgence of measles and work towards a healthier future.
A decline in MMR vaccinations
To effectively prevent measles outbreaks, the CDC advises that 95% of a community should receive vaccination. However, vaccination rates have decreased during the pandemic, resulting in vulnerable pockets within communities.
In a joint report issued by the CDC and World Health Organization in November, it was revealed that a record-breaking 40 million children worldwide missed at least one dose of the measles vaccine in 2021. This alarming statistic highlights the imminent global threat posed by the virus.
The CDC strongly recommends individuals consult with their healthcare provider several weeks prior to international travel, regardless of the destination, to determine if they or their dependents require the MMR vaccine.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment available for measles. Common symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and the characteristic rash that typically appears within the first week of illness, according to the CDC.
Babies and young children face the greatest risk of severe complications, such as brain swelling and mortality. Additionally, if a pregnant woman contracts the virus, it can lead to premature birth and low birth weight in infants.