The measles vaccine was introduced to the United States nearly 50 years ago. About 30 years later the vaccine had successfully eliminated the disease. Since then, it has made a comeback as 450 cases of the measles have been reported this year in 2019.
Measles is a disease that is due to a virus. Symptoms typically begin one to two weeks after exposure. Some symptoms include high fevers, coughing, runny nose, red and watery eyes and eventually a rash. Measles is extremely contagious. According to WebMD health news, one person can infect 90% of the people around them who are not immune. One in four people with measles is hospitalized due to an outbreak.
Unvaccinated children are the reason for this measles outbreak. The largest measles outbreak was in New York City with about 300 cases of measles. In addition to this, there have been numerous outbreaks in Washington state, Michigan, New Jersey and California.
The best way to prevent this outbreak is by getting vaccines. Children between the ages of 1 and 6 generally receive the vaccine for measles. This vaccine is effective for one’s whole life span. Due to allergies or a weakened immune system, there are about 500,000 people who are unable to get the measles vaccine. Infants are also at risk because they cannot become vaccinated until 1 year old. These individuals are counting on the community immunity to protect them.
In conclusion, more vaccinated humans will result in less risk for serious outbreaks. Measles has come full circle as there was an opening for the disease to make its comeback with fewer parents choosing to vaccinate their children.
Koenig, Debbie. “2019 Measles Outbreak: What You Should Know.” WebMD, WebMD, 11 Apr. 2019, www.webmd.com/children/news/20190411/2019-measles-outbreak-what-you-should-know
