Understanding the Measles Disease
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can be spread through bodily fluids as well as through the air we breathe.
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While in most cases, the symptoms are that of a bad cold, such as a fever, rash, aches and pains, runny nose, or a cough, for others, the measles disease can be fatal. And while anyone can contract measles, it is most common in children.
There Is a Vaccine for Measles
By the early 1970s, the measles vaccine had been perfected and was being given to the vast majority of American children. And today, more than 90% of all Americans have been vaccinated against the disease.
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While the vaccine has certainly played a big part in eradicating the disease, it is not 100% effective. According to the CDC, 3% of people who received both doses will contract measles, while 7% of those who only got one dose are likely to become infected.
The 2024 Measles Outbreak
For nearly 50 years, there have been limited cases of measles in the United States, but every so often, there is a minor outbreak. Such as in 2019, when 1,274 cases were confirmed, which was the greatest number of cases since 1992.
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Now, just six weeks into 2024, the CDC has already confirmed 23 cases. Naturally, they are certainly concerned that a large outbreak is imminent.
How Do People Contract Measles?
Because most Americans have been vaccinated against measles, it’s extremely uncommon for residents to contract the disease within the country. Unless they come in contact with someone who has traveled abroad.
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In this case, that’s exactly what happened. The CDC reported that the majority of the current cases personally contracted the disease after international travel, while the others were those who were simply near those who traveled.
Where Did Americans Contact Measles?
The CDC noted, “The increased number of measles importations seen in recent weeks is reflective of a rise in global measles cases and a growing global threat from the disease.”
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The World Health Organization reported that in 2022, there were 9 million cases of measles around the world, including 136,00 deaths. They also noted that those numbers signify a 43% increase from 2021.
Many Americans Are Exposed to Measles in Europe
When people think of highly contagious diseases, they often think of underdeveloped countries without access to vaccinations and modern medicines.
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But the most prevalent outbreak of measles, which has undoubtedly affected the majority of infected Americans, is in Europe. In fact, the European World Health Organization (WHO) announced that they confirmed more than 42,000 cases on the continent last year.
Europe Had 30x the Cases in 2023 as it Did the Year Before
More than 42,000 cases is a lot by anyone’s standards, but since Europe only reported 931 cases in 2022, that number is even more terrifying.
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Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the regional director for WHO in Europe, explained, “We have seen in the Region not only a 30-fold increase in measles cases, but also nearly 21,000 hospitalizations and 5 measles-related deaths. This is concerning.”
The Majority of the Confirmed Cases Are Unvaccinated Children
It’s important to understand that the vast majority of those infected in both Europe and the United States are unvaccinated children.
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The problem is that fewer and fewer newborn children are being vaccinated. UNICEF explained, “The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted childhood immunization, with 67 million children missing out entirely or partially on routine immunization between 2019 and 2021, leaving them vulnerable to a range of preventable diseases.”
“Vaccination Is the Only Way to Protect Children”
Dr. Klunge from WHO went on to say, “Vaccination is the only way to protect children from this potentially dangerous disease. Urgent vaccination efforts are needed to halt transmission and prevent further spread.”
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However, whether his and other experts’ warnings will be heard in time to stop a global outbreak is still unknown.
What Can Be Done Now?
In the meantime, the CDC wants physicians around the country to be on high alert, especially pediatricians.
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Within the statement released on January 25, 2024, the CDC explained: “Healthcare providers should be on alert for patients who have: (1) febrile rash illness and symptoms consistent with measles (e.g., cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis), and (2) have recently traveled abroad, especially to countries with ongoing measles outbreaks.”
Parents Can Also Be on the Lookout for Symptoms
Of course, the best thing a parent can do to prevent their child from contracting measles is to vaccinate them as soon as possible.
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However, as there is still a small chance that a vaccinated child can become sick if exposed, it’s important that parents around the country and the world understand the symptoms and contact their pediatrician immediately if any appear.