Measles Makes a Comeback: Why Vaccines Matter
A Rapid Spread
Measles is back and spreading fast across the United States. In Minnesota alone, there are now 20 confirmed cases, with three new infections just reported in Dakota County. The latest cases involve unvaccinated kids who likely caught the virus from an unvaccinated adult.
A Nationwide Crisis
This is part of a bigger problem. Since late August, the CDC has seen an average of 27 new measles cases every week. So far this year, there have been over 1,500 cases nationwide. That's the highest number since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. back in 2000.
Serious Consequences
The situation is serious. Cases have been reported in 41 states and Washington D.C. At least three people have died, and 193 have been hospitalized. The CDC says 92% of those infected were not vaccinated.
The Power of Vaccination
Health officials keep pushing for the MMR vaccine. It's the best way to fight this highly contagious and deadly virus. The vaccine is 97% effective at preventing illness and stopping the spread.
Why Are People Still Getting Sick?
The CDC found that only 8% of confirmed cases had been vaccinated. Kids usually get the measles vaccine at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years old. But if a child is at risk, they can get it as early as 6 months.
The Dangers of Measles
Measles can cause serious problems like:
- Pneumonia
- Brain damage
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Premature birth or low birth weight in unvaccinated pregnant women
- Weakened immune system, making it harder to fight other diseases
The Importance of Herd Immunity
The World Health Organization says a community needs a 95% vaccination rate to reach herd immunity. Last school year, U.S. health officials estimated that only 92.7% of kindergarten students were vaccinated. That's close, but not enough.
The Best Defense
Measles is highly contagious. It spreads easily, especially in places where not enough people are vaccinated. The best way to protect everyone is to make sure as many people as possible get the vaccine.