Measles Outbreaks: International Travel and Declining Vaccination Rates Blamed
In recent weeks, several cases of measles have been reported in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Georgia, raising concerns among health officials. Experts attribute these outbreaks to international travel and declining vaccination rates. The highly contagious virus has spread to multiple locations, including a children’s hospital in Philadelphia and a day care center. Additionally, a case has been confirmed in the metro Atlanta area.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has confirmed nine cases of measles in the past month. A person contracted the virus outside the United States and exposed a parent and child at a children’s hospital, leading to the outbreak at the day care center. Health officials in Virginia are also warning people who recently traveled through two D.C.-area airports of potential exposure to the virus. The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed a single case of measles in an unvaccinated resident who was exposed to the virus while traveling abroad.
These outbreaks are not limited to the United States. In the UK, a measles outbreak continues to widen, with over 200 confirmed cases since October. The UK Health Security Agency has declared a national incident to address the growing public health risk.
Dr. Thomas Murray, a professor of pediatrics at the Yale School of Medicine, emphasizes the contagious nature of measles, stating that about 90% of susceptible individuals who are exposed will develop symptoms. Measles spreads easily through respiratory droplets and can survive on surfaces for up to two hours.
The elimination of measles in the United States in 2000 was largely due to a highly effective vaccination campaign. However, clusters of cases can still occur when unvaccinated individuals travel to countries where the disease is still common and bring it back to the US. Falling vaccination rates in the US, particularly among children, contribute to the risk of outbreaks. About 92% of US children have been vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) by age 2, below the federal target of 95%.
Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. It can cause blindness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), severe pneumonia, and increase susceptibility to other infections. A rare complication called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can occur years after infection and result in seizures and mental deterioration.
If you suspect you have been exposed to measles, it is important to stay home and contact your healthcare provider for guidance. Fully vaccinated individuals have a low risk of infection, but unvaccinated individuals or those with weak immune systems should take precautions. They can receive the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to prevent or lessen the severity of the illness. Treatment mainly involves supportive care, such as rest and fluids, although hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases.
These outbreaks serve as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial to protect individuals and communities from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
