Measles, A highly infectious and avoidable disease In the United States a quarter of a century ago, is now spread into at least two countries. Here you will find some answers to frequent questions about the illness, from the way you vaccinate.
Q: What is measles and why do we hear about it now?
A: The World Health Organization identifies measles as One of the most infectious diseasesKill up to three of a thousand children worldwide. The disease has been avoidable since 1963 when American researchers developed a vaccine. In 2000, measles in the United States was regarded as eliminated, although occasional cases and outbursts mainly influenced unvaccinated people. There are currently outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
On March 6th a non -vaccinated man in New Mexico died of measles. A not vaccinated child at school age in West texas died on the virus last month.
The Ministry of Health of the State of Texas reports that 90% of the non-immune population is infected Only if someone is in the air near the air. The Rubola virus that causes measles can linger in the air for up to two hours.
Q: What are the symptoms of measles and when do they appear?
A: The centers for the control and prevention of diseases Says that measles symptoms – fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or about it, coughing, running nose and red, aqueous eyes – appear within 14 days of infection. Next come tiny white “Koplik spots”On the inside of the mouth and a rash that begins on the hairline and spreads the body down.
Medical complications can be pneumonia, deafness, blindness, encephalitis (brain swelling) and being Subacute sclerosing panencephalitisA progressive neurological disease. Children 5 and under, adults over 20, pregnant women and immunocompromised people such as chemotherapy patients and people who live with leukemia or HIV are most susceptible to complications.
Q: What are the vaccine requirements?
A: Federal requirements for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) recordings do not exist, but All 50 countries force any form of inoculation of measles For children before entering childcare or public schools. Some states, such as TexasAllow vaccination exceptions for religious and personal beliefs. California had a similar liberation until It was eliminated in 2016.
A measles vaccination recommended by CDC comprises two shots cast with 12 to 15 months and 4-6 years. Together are the cans 97% effective against measles infections. In contrast, non -vaccinated people are roughly represented 94% of the 222 measles cases in the United States this year, this year And one of five non -vaccinated people with measles needs a hospital stay.
However, these statistics have not deterred a persistent anti-vaccination movement that expanded during the Covid 19 pandemic. Legislators in Texas And Numerous other states Press the invoices on to remove the routine vaccination from public health policy.
A meeting in February CDCs Advisory Board for Immunization Practices was postponed indefinitely and the US health minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has skepticism and confusion in the vaccines.
Q: If I have been vaccinated as recommended, am I okay? Is the MMR vaccine not good for life?
A: MMR vaccinations or natural immunity after a measles infection, theoretically, lasts a lifetime, according to Dr. Monica Gandhi, a doctor for infectious diseases at UC San Francisco.
But Gandhi said that in the absence of the disease there was no way to test this. “We did not bring an 80-year-old into the situation in which they have in the middle of a break in 2025,” she said.
Q: Should older vaccinated adults and those who were born and were accepted before 1957 to get another MMR vaccine against the widespread infections of the time before the rooms?
A: Gandhi said these vaccinated decades ago should consider a measles booster if they live near an outbreak, are 65 or older or prepare to travel internationally, especially for the first time.
The Yale School of Medicine recommends the endangered risk People vaccinated before 1968 (57 or older) You may also want a new shot because you received cans that are less effective than vaccines that became standard after this year.
Q: Should people get boosters who work in childcare or early education?
A: This depends on the local risk level, said Gandhi. Vaccination rates at More kindergartens The previously recommended (and in California, currently enforced) for herdness has decreased below the level of 95%.
Q: Can children be vaccinated in advance and can the gap between the two doses be shorter?
A: In the event of an outbreak, said Gandhi, the first dose of infants can be awarded under one year. On or after your first birthdays, you must be separated on or after your first birthdays with two other doses MMR vaccine, which are separated from 28 days or more, or two other doses of the vaccine from measles mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV), which are separated by 3 months or more. The CDC has Additional instructions for infants who travel internationally.
Q: Is there someone for the vaccination?
A: The strict immunocompromised people and pregnant women should not receive the living vaccine, said Gandhi. If this population is exposed to measles, it receives IMMOGLOBULINE – protein antibodies This helps the immune system to combat harmful agents.
Q: kennedy has advertised vitamin A and cod liver oil as alternatives to combat measles. Scientists have exposed these suggestions, but is there credibility of claims that vitamin A or other nutrients can help reduce susceptibility to severe measles?
A: “I really want to downplay vitamin A as a treatment. Prevention by vaccination is the best way to combat severe measles, ”said Gandhi.
“Two deaths in this country last month are a very big deal for an avoidable infectious disease,” she said. “It is a very big deal to lose someone in your family – it is a lifelong tragedy. There is simply no reason not to get the vaccine. “
Originally published:
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