In the United States, the year 2020 had the lowest number of measles cases reported—only 19 cases—but that decrease didn’t last forever. As of August 22, 2024, there were 229 measured cases reported—almost 15 times the number from 2020! With vaccine hesitancy rising, many public health experts only expect the threat from measles to grow.
Data table from CDC.gov
What is it?
Also known as rubeola, measles is a highly contagious viral illness responsible for millions of illnesses and upwards of 200,000 deaths a year. Although it has frequently affected humans throughout history, the arrival of highly-effective vaccines in the 20th century dramatically reduced its prevalence, especially in wealthy countries. However, in a highly interconnected world where viruses like measles can quickly spread across borders, it remains a threat, even in the United States.
What are the symptoms?
Measles is a disease that affects the whole body and can be lethal. The symptoms include high fever, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and rashes that affect the whole body. If the infection worsens, complications such as brain swelling/damage, also known as encephalitis, can occur. The disease can also attack your respiratory system, worsening your breathing patterns and potentially causing pneumonia. In a small subset of cases, measles infection can result in permanent disability or death.
How does it spread?
Measles is considered one of the most contagious diseases as it can spread through contact and is also an airborne virus.
Who is at risk?
Primarily children are the highest at risk for measles, but after children, unvaccinated individuals are the most at risk. In fact, according to cdc.gov 86% of the individuals who were reported to have measles were unvaccinated.
It is vital that we understand the risks of measles, as 44% of the infected individuals were hospitalized.
What's next?
Vaccination for measles is essential to prevent the infection and complications that occur because of the virus. While there may be a weakened and live form of measles in the vaccine, it is only there to help us be immune to it. There may be side effects, but it is entirely safe. It is scientifically proven that vaccinated individuals are less prone to the disease, with effectiveness of over 90% and lifelong protection.
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