Measles Cases Surge, Highlighting Urgent Need for Vaccination
A highly contagious and potentially deadly disease, measles, is experiencing a global resurgence, wiht 11 million infections reported worldwide in teh past year. Health officials warn that the once-realistic goal of measles elimination is now increasingly out of reach.
the rise in cases is directly linked to declining vaccination rates. Experts emphasize that 95% of a population must be vaccinated to achieve “herd immunity” – the level needed to prevent widespread outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that “Without sustained attention, hard-fought gains can easily be lost,” and that outbreaks occur where vaccination coverage is insufficient. The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has concluded that measles elimination is under threat, as the disease is resurging in countries that had previously achieved, or were close to achieving, elimination.
In the United States, measles cases have climbed to a 33-year high, with over 1,798 confirmed infections reported this year as of Wednesday, according to data from the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This surge has tragically resulted in at least three deaths and 212 hospitalizations.
Alarmingly, the CDC reports that 92% of these U.S. cases have occurred in individuals who were not vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is considered the most effective way to combat the virus, boasting a 97% efficacy rate in preventing illness and further transmission.
Routine vaccination for measles is recommended for children at 12 to 15 months, with a second dose administered between 4 and 6 years of age, typically before kindergarten. However, the vaccine can be given to children as young as 6 months old if they are at increased risk of exposure.
Measles is a serious illness with potentially severe complications, including premature birth or low birthweight in unvaccinated pregnant women who contract the disease, and a loss of immunity to other deadly diseases.
While U.S. vaccination rates are currently at 92.7% among kindergarten students, according to health officials, this falls short of the 95% needed for robust herd immunity. Currently, there is no cure for measles, making prevention through vaccination critically critically important.
