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Measles was declared "eliminated" from the US in 2000-yet measles cases in 2008 are more than double the annual average for all other years since 2000.
The surge in new measles cases is blamed on imported cases and under-vaccinated populations. About half the imported cases were from foreign visitors who caught measles in their home country, but didn’t show the signs until after landing in the US. The other half were from US residents, unvaccinated, who got the disease as tourists, usually in Europe. Each imported case led to about eight new cases in the US. Most of these were in people under age 20, most of whom were unvaccinated. Measles (rubeola, “red measles”) is a serious disease of childhood. Vaccination against it has been given along with vaccines for mumps and rubella (“German measles”) in the traditional MMR baby shots. Now, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is usually included, so the shot is called MMRV. Combining vaccines means less pain for the child, and is just as effective. While vaccination is required in most school districts, many states allow parents to “opt out” for religious or philosophical beliefs. Another group of unvaccinated children are the home-schooled, who don’t have to meet school attendance requirements, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Herd ImmunityChildren are not cattle, but “herd immunity,” a term used by veterinarians, applies anyway. Epidemics among livestock don’t usually occur if there is herd immunity—the number of vaccinated animals is over 90%. That’s when a newly sick animal is likely to meet only vaccinated animals until it succumbs to the disease. A child with measles has only a short time to infect others before getting too ill to participate in group activities—the child usually stays home. But if the number of vaccinated children gets too low, the odds of contacting an unvaccinated child during that risky time is higher, and public health is threatened by a possible epidemic. SafetyYears ago, measles vaccine was accused of causing autism and other serious problems. Scientific studies by a number of objective groups have debunked those claims, although some groups are still concerned. More About MeaslesMeasles is caused by the rubeola virus. The virus attacks the lining of the respiratory tract, and usually is spread by contact. That means secretions from the infected person are touched by a second person, who then touches her mouth or nose. It can also be spread by inhaling droplets. It's very contagious, affecting about 75% of those exposed. Action StepsFor you: If you were born before 1957, forget about it, you probably had measles and now are immune, according to CDC. Otherwise, before international travel, be sure you are up to date on measles and all immunizations. If you are a healthcare worker: Get immunized or have your immunity level checked (a blood test). You could spread measles before you have symptoms, and an immune-compromised patient could get a severe case from you. If you home-school, don’t forget immunizations as part of your program. If you are one of the parents who are philosophically opposed to measles vaccination, check out several sources regularly for new information. Credible groups around the world have endorsed vaccinations. Earlier claims of autism have been shown to be without merit.
The copyright of the article Measles Making a Comeback in Public Healthcare Issues is owned by James Cooper. Permission to republish Measles Making a Comeback in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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