Measles has a vaccine, however, it is still one of the most dangerous health threats in the world. Cases of measles are actually going up globally. In 2018, around 140,000 people died because of it, according to the World Health Organization.
However, it is also still a threat in the United States, too. In 2o19, the Center for Disease Control reported 1,282 cases in 31 states. That number is the biggest it has ever been since 1992. They also reported 128 hospitalizations that resulted from the reported cases.
To prevent more outbreaks, the CDC has a guide for immunizations and a general rule for symptoms. The CDC suggests getting the MMR vaccination. Children should get their first shot of MMR at around one year, and their second between the ages of four to six. Teenagers and adults should get it as soon as possible.
The vaccine is about 97% effective. The other alternative is the MMRV vaccine, which is used only on children between the ages of 12 months and 12 years. This vaccine also protects against rubella, chickenpox, mumps, and varicella, according to the CDC.
Lastly, measles is an airborne disease. It can also stay in the air for up to two hours and is highly contagious. The CDC warns that 90% of the people in the same room as an infected person could potentially get the infection. The CDC and other health organizations will continue to end the infection around the world.
For more information about measles, click these links:
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/elimination.html
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html
Read more about the fight to end HIV:
https://americanmedicalcompliance.com/hiv-prevention-few-and-far-between/
