The United States’ measles epidemic is still very much in progress. To date, there have been 628 lab-confirmed outbreaks in at least 21 states and Washington, D.C. We know the virus is spreading in an alarming way. Even worse, it has potentially contributed to the death of an adult in New Mexico, which should send alarm bells ringing to any public health official. This resurgence of measles poses significant health risks, particularly for young children, who are vulnerable to severe complications such as pneumonia.
As health advocates call attention to, pneumonia is the biggest killer of measles in young children. This highlights the critical importance of vaccinations. Children usually get their first measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine between 12 and 18 months of age. The second dose whacks them at age five, right as they’re beginning public or private school. The MMR vaccine is incredibly safe and effective. Measles is a highly contagious disease, and both doses together only offer about 97% protection against infection in the general public.
Effective vaccinations may be, too many people still aren’t testing positive for their exposure to the virus. Health experts say that the current incidence of measles is vastly underreported. In recent weeks, a greater outbreak has raised alarm, centered in Lubbock, Texas. Today, six infants and toddlers at a local day care center have come down with measles. Since the outbreak started at the end of January, 56 people have been hospitalized in the local area. Among them is one of the two children who have infected.
That’s the situation, which is changing by the minute. That outbreak, which was at first limited to Texas, has since spread to at least two other states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that’s a dangerous reality. They claim that 1 in 1000 to 3 in every 1000 children who develop measles may experience lethal respiratory and neurologic sequelae. The recent deaths are the first documented U.S. measles deaths in a decade. This disturbing development underscores the increased risks and challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy and anti-public health movements.
The CDC still recommends vaccinations as the best way to prevent measles outbreaks. Beyond preventing specific outbreaks, they emphasize that maintaining timely immunization can help protect vulnerable populations and prevent the spread of this dangerous, highly contagious disease. Public health doctors and officials continue to implore parents to vaccinate their children on time. This small, but important action is key to protecting community immunity.
