This year has seen a concerning rise in measles cases across the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 107 confirmed infections in 21 states and the District of Columbia as of mid-July. In comparison, the entirety of 2017 recorded 115 cases across 15 states. With the year still ongoing, it appears likely that the total for 2018 will surpass last year’s figures.
Understanding Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads 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, usually resolving within a couple of weeks. However, the CDC warns that for every 1,000 children who contract measles, one or two may die from complications related to the illness.
States Reporting Cases
The states reporting cases this year include:
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- The District of Columbia
Despite this mid-year count being higher than in previous years, it is still significantly lower than the 667 cases reported in 2014, which included a major outbreak that accounted for 338 cases.
The Importance of Vaccination
Vaccination is critical in preventing outbreaks, especially in communities with unvaccinated individuals. The CDC highlights that the majority of measles cases involve people who have not been vaccinated. Furthermore, measles remains prevalent in various regions around the world, including Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa, where returning travelers can introduce the virus into the U.S. population.
The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is highly effective, with a single dose providing 93% protection and a second dose increasing that to 97%. The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months and the second dose between ages four and six. The World Health Organization classifies measles as one of the deadliest childhood diseases, resulting in approximately 450 deaths daily among unvaccinated children. This underscores the importance of herd immunity to safeguard those unable to receive vaccinations.
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Conclusion
In summary, the rise in measles cases highlights the importance of vaccination to prevent outbreaks. The CDC’s report indicates that the current trend may lead to a significant increase compared to previous years, emphasizing the need for community-wide immunization efforts.