The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week warned clinicians to be alert for measles. This notification comes after 23 cases—most in children who had not been vaccinated—were reported in the U.S. during the past two months.
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases known. In a susceptible population, the virus can rapidly spread from person to person through the air. And the disease can be severe. According to the CDC, one to two children will die for every 1,000 who get measles. Globally, over 100,000 people die annually from this disease.
But Measles Is A Vaccine-Preventable Disease
Typically administered to infants as part of the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, the measles vaccine is very effective and very safe. Indeed, in the U.S., the number of reported cases dropped dramatically after it was approved for use. And in 2000, measles was declared eliminated in the nation. Continuous spread of the virus no longer occurs here.