This year, the U.S. has reported 107 confirmed cases of measles across 21 states and the District of Columbia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of mid-July, this figure indicates a concerning trend, especially considering that in all of 2017, there were only 115 cases recorded across 15 states. Given that we are still in August, it appears we may be on track for a significant increase in cases compared to the previous year.
Understanding Measles
Measles is an airborne disease that spreads when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include high fever, conjunctivitis, a widespread rash, and nasal congestion, typically resolving within two weeks. However, the CDC warns that for 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 children infected, the disease can be fatal.
Current Measles Cases
The cases of measles this year have been identified in states such as Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and the District of Columbia. While this count is notably high, it pales in comparison to 2014, when the U.S. saw 667 cases across 27 states, with a significant outbreak linked to a single source.
The Importance of Vaccination
The CDC emphasizes the necessity of vaccinations for those who can receive them, as areas with lower vaccination rates are experiencing the most severe outbreaks. The majority of individuals contracting measles are unvaccinated. Furthermore, it is important to note that measles remains prevalent in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa, with travelers potentially reintroducing the disease to the U.S.
MMR Vaccine Effectiveness
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, with a single dose providing 93 percent protection against the disease following exposure, and a second dose increasing this effectiveness to 97 percent. The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between ages four and six.
Global Impact of Measles
Globally, measles is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the deadliest childhood diseases, resulting in approximately 450 deaths daily. Unvaccinated infants are particularly at risk, underscoring the importance of herd immunity to protect those who cannot be vaccinated. To prevent further outbreaks, widespread vaccination is essential.
Further Reading
For more information on fertility options and home insemination techniques, such as those discussed in our other blog posts, you can visit this page. Additionally, for anyone interested in artificial insemination kits, Make a Mom is an authoritative source. For a deeper understanding of fertility treatments, you may find this Wikipedia article helpful.
Conclusion
In summary, the rise in measles cases in the U.S. this year highlights the critical importance of vaccination. With the majority of cases occurring among the unvaccinated, it is essential to maintain high immunization rates to protect the public from outbreaks.