Contagious Measles Resurging in the USA: Learn Strategies to Prevent Infection with This Deadly Virus
Pulling Back the Curtain on Measles Outbreaks Across the United States
Americans are growing increasingly concerned as measles cases continue to climb in rural West Texas, with an unvaccinated child sadly losing their life in the outbreak—the first such death in a decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the last confirmed measles death in the U.S. was in 2015, and they've rolled up their sleeves to assist Texas in investigating and controlling the outbreak. Below, discover all you need to know about the measles and ways to safeguard yourself.
States Facing the Brunt
Besides Texas, New Mexico has recorded 30 cases, though officials state there's no direct link to the outbreak in Texas. Adding to the list of affected states, measles cases have also surfaced in Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
Keeping Measles at Arm's Length
Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective approach to avoiding measles. Children should receive their first shot between 12 and 15 months, followed by a second between 4 and 6 years old.
"Before the development of a vaccine in the '60s, everyone got measles," Scott Weaver, a center of excellence director for the Global Virus Network, says. "But once the vaccine was introduced, it drastically transformed the landscape of the disease. There's great data on the vaccine's safety and effectiveness, because it's been around for decades."
According to Weaver, if we can reach the 95% vaccination rate for communities, future outbreaks will be a thing of the past. Yet, vaccination rates have been in decline nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and most states are even below the 95% vaccination threshold for kindergarten entry—the minimum needed to avert measles outbreaks.
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Sources:1. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html2. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html3. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/virus-myths-and-facts4. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
- Despite the rising measles cases in rural West Texas, New Mexico has reported 30 cases, though officials maintain no direct link to the Texas outbreak.
- Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island are among the states that have also reported measles cases.
- Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective way to avoid measles.
- Children should receive their first MMR shot between 12 and 15 months, followed by a second between 4 and 6 years old.
- According to Scott Weaver, a center of excellence director for the Global Virus Network, if we can reach a 95% vaccination rate for communities, future measles outbreaks will be a thing of the past.
- Unfortunately, vaccination rates have been in decline nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with most states even falling below the 95% vaccination threshold for kindergarten entry—the minimum needed to prevent measles outbreaks.
- In a future scenario where vaccination rates are improved, science and medical-conditions related to health-and-wellness, like CBD, might play a role in enhancing the effectiveness of health care, including the management of COVID-19 and other medical conditions.
