Nashville Begins to Cautiously Confront Measles Outbreak Amidst Global Rise, Vaccination Rates Under Scrutiny
Nashville, Tenn. – Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, is rapidly spreading across the globe, according to a recent warning issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Unfortunate Surge of Measles Cases
In 2022, a startling 79 percent increase in measles cases has been reported worldwide, compounded by a tragic 43 percent rise in deaths attributed to the disease. Last year alone, more than 306,000 cases were documented. The alarming magnitude of this increase puts global health experts on high alert.
An Unwelcome Visit to Tennessee
Despite Tennessee enjoying a reprieve from measles cases since 2020, a recent incident reminds locals of the need to remain vigilant. Last month, health authorities confirmed a measles case at the Northern Kentucky International Airport, potentially exposing travelers to the infectious disease.
Nearby School in Florida on High Alert
In a disconcerting development, four confirmed measles cases have thrown an elementary school in Florida into a state of high alert. This rapid transmission of measles is particularly concerning since the disease was eradicated in the United States more than two decades ago.
The Perils of Declining Vaccination Rates
Health experts are attributing the resurgence of measles to a decline in vaccination rates, thereby jeopardizing a phenomenon known as “herd immunity.” Achieving herd immunity requires at least 98 percent of the population to receive the measles vaccine. The ease with which measles spreads via airborne transmission only increases the risk factor.
“If I had measles and I coughed and it’s now in the air, it can stay in the air for like 30 minutes,” explains Dr. Michelle Barron, Senior Medical Director of Infection Prevention at UC Health. “So you come along in the grocery line after I do, you’re not vaccinated, and then the measles is still hanging out in the air, 30 minutes, an hour later. And then you breathe it in and can get it. And so the number of people for the attack rate can be much higher than most of the things we’re used to where you’ve got to be with someone.”
Vaccine Recommendations and Availability
In an effort to combat the measles outbreak, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first measles vaccine dose between 12 to 15 months of age. Fortunately, the vaccine is readily available at the Lentz Public Health Center in Nashville on Charlotte Ave. during weekdays from 7:30 to 4.
As the global measles crisis continues to unfold, Tennessee and the wider United States hope to prevent the further spread of this preventable disease. Public awareness and vaccination remain crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and communities alike.
