Pennsylvania is one of four states that have reported outbreaks of measles so far for 2011. So far, the state has seen six cases, which is high considering that a simple vaccination can ward off the disease.
Other states with outbreaks are Florida with five cases, Utah with nine cases, and Minnesota with 21 cases. Almost all of them have been linked to some sort of international tie, leading researchers to believe that the disease is traveling across the ocean and infiltrating the United States.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 89 cases of measles have been reported in the United States between January and April, which is exceptionally high. Typically the nation experiences about 50 total cases of measles annually…the number reported within the first four months of the current year is almost double the norm. CDC officials believe that this may be an indication of the worst measles outbreak in any single year in more than a decade.
Prior to this year, the worst year for a nationwide measles outbreak was 2008 when 140 cases were reported. Right now, the number of reported cases is more than halfway to this number with another eight months to go in 2011.
Measles is a respiratory disease that is caused by a virus. It normally grows in cells that line the back of the throat and lungs. Symptoms of measles generally start seven to 10 days after contracting the virus and include fever, runny nose, cough and sore throat. Two to three days later, white spots will appear inside the mouth. Eventually, a rash will appear on the face and spread to the rest of the body rather rapidly. Although it’s practically eradicated around the United States, measles still kills more than 200,000 people worldwide. This is mainly because the vaccination is more readily here than in other countries. The recent outbreaks indicate that people are not vaccinated against measles.
Although the vaccine is available in the United States, so many people choose not to obtain it, thus putting themselves at risk for the disease. This is the reason we are now experiencing an influx of measles cases in several states. If unvaccinated, you are placing yourself at a great risk of contracting the disease, which is transmitted through the air via coughing or sneezing – anything that can spread a virus, much like the common cold.
It’s critical to protect you and your family against measles – and it’s one of the easiest things you can do. To prevent measles, the CDC recommends that all children be vaccinated with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses are needed for complete protection. Children should be given the first dose at ages 12-15 months. The second dose can be given a month later, but is often given before the child starts kindergarten, sometime between ages 4 and 6. Adults can also be given the 2-dose vaccine or a 1-dose vaccination. The CDC states that the 1-dose vaccination is mainly limited to people ages 50 or older.
If you are considering the MMR vaccine for you or your children, talk with your primary care physician. They have the background information on your health and well-being and will provide the best guidance for your overall health and protection. With a measles outbreak pending, it would be to your advantage to be vaccinated.
References
Associated Press. (2011). US on track for most measles cases in a decade. Retrieved May 8, 2011, from http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iZZE3c91FXNJHn1CGMiv7LmIk1oA?docId=b0bfb5447beb4ee395eceadabaa13e93.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Recommended adult immunization schedule – United States, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2011, from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6004a10.htm?s_cid=mm6004a10_w.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Vaccines and preventable diseases. Measles vaccination. Retrieved May 8, 2011, from http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/measles/default.htm#notvacc.
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