Photo credit: www.cbsnews.com
In 2025, measles continues to be a prominent public health issue, raising concerns about this potentially fatal disease and its prevention. Here is essential information about the current situation.
Measles Outbreak in Texas
The most significant measles outbreak reported this year is occurring in West Texas, where health authorities have identified over 500 cases since late January. According to local and state health officials, this outbreak predominantly impacts unvaccinated children and teenagers, with many individuals having an uncertain vaccination history.
Tragically, the outbreak has resulted in fatalities; in late February, a child, unvaccinated and attending school, died after hospitalization. This was followed by the death of another unvaccinated child, an 8-year-old girl, in early April.
In addition to Texas, measles cases have also been detected in upwards of 20 states, including neighboring New Mexico and others like New Jersey, Georgia, California, Rhode Island, Kentucky, Michigan, Alaska, and Pennsylvania. In New Mexico, an unvaccinated adult was confirmed posthumously to have the virus, although determination of the official cause of death is still pending, as stated by health officials in early March.
The Dangers of Measles
Measles poses significant risks, especially in individuals who have not been vaccinated. While many recover from mild symptoms, statistics indicate that approximately 20% of unvaccinated individuals who contract measles will require hospitalization. Furthermore, complications can arise in 1 in 1,000 cases, resulting in brain swellings that might lead to lasting damage, and 3 out of every 1,000 infected individuals may succumb to the illness.
This viral disease spreads easily through the air and is exceptionally contagious. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in the 1960s, nearly every child would contract the virus at some point, resulting in annual fatalities primarily among children, estimated between 400 and 500 in the United States.
Identifying Measles Symptoms
Measles symptoms typically manifest about one to two weeks following exposure to the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the initial signs can resemble other common viral infections and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
A hallmark of measles is a rash that appears a few days later, often accompanied by a high fever, potentially reaching up to 104°F or higher.
Complications from measles can be serious and may include pneumonia or encephalitis, which involves brain swelling. The CDC indicates that pneumonia is the leading cause of death related to measles in young children, affecting as many as 1 in 20 infected children.
Dr. Lara Johnson, chief medical officer at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, noted during a press conference that respiratory issues frequently lead to hospitalization for measles patients. She emphasized that although many childhood illnesses result in rashes and fevers, measles is significantly more dangerous and can lead to severe complications.
The Rash and Immune Effects
After a few days of initial symptoms, individuals infected with the measles virus develop distinctive white spots in their mouths, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor for CBS News, described this rash as a “flat, blotchy red rash.”
Moreover, measles can inflict long-lasting damage to the immune system, a phenomenon known as “immune amnesia.” This can leave individuals vulnerable to other infections for months or even years after recovery from measles.
Causes of the Outbreak
The resurgence of measles correlates with declining vaccination rates amidst the availability of safe vaccines. Evidence shows nearly all individuals affected by the Texas outbreak were either unvaccinated or had unclear vaccination statuses. Health experts express concern over these declining rates, noting a direct link to the preventability of such outbreaks.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins, commented on the troubling nature of this outbreak, especially in areas with the lowest vaccination rates and the highest exemptions for measles vaccinations.
Vaccination Information
Despite the highly contagious nature of measles, the vaccine is recognized as safe and effective. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically administered in two doses, having a proven record of efficacy for decades.
However, several states have reported declines in childhood vaccination rates, putting their communities at risk for widespread outbreaks. Notably, Florida also experienced a measles outbreak linked to decreasing rates of vaccination in schools. Nationally, about 10 states have reported concerning drops in vaccination among kindergartners.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, acknowledged the seriousness of the measles outbreak and endorsed the efficacy of the measles vaccine, emphasizing its role in community immunity.
Understanding Vitamin A and Vaccination
Kennedy has discussed the potential benefits of vitamins in measles treatments, but studies demonstrate that while Vitamin A can mitigate the severity of measles and decrease mortality in severely malnourished populations, it cannot replace the efficacy of vaccination. Dr. Gounder highlighted that Vitamin A does not prevent infection and that in the U.S., Vitamin A deficiency is rare, affecting less than 1% of individuals, and excessive Vitamin A intake complicates health issues.
Vaccination Timing and Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 to 15 months, with a second dose given between 4 to 6 years of age. This schedule accounts for the natural immunity passed from mother to child, ensuring that the vaccine will be effective.
Receiving one dose provides about 93% protection, while the two-dose regimen boosts efficacy to 97%. The MMR vaccine also shields against mumps and rubella.
Recently, polling indicated that around 17% of parents reported delaying or skipping vaccinations for their children, an increase from approximately 10% two years prior, prompting concern about unwarranted vaccine hesitancy.
Longevity of Vaccine Protection
For most individuals, the MMR vaccine provides lifelong protection. Health experts assert that those vaccinated with normal immune function need not worry about contracting measles.
Booster Recommendations
Individuals born after 1957 who received vaccinations before 1968 may consider booster shots, as older vaccines may not confer sufficient immunity. Healthcare workers and individuals traveling to high-risk areas may also benefit from booster doses. If vaccination records are unclear, health experts recommend receiving an additional dose instead of undergoing blood tests.
Source
www.cbsnews.com