Recently, measles, a disease that the US government declared defunct (i.e. no longer an endemic disease native to the United States), has been rearing its head again, due to both an increase of the prevalence of the disease and the emergence of a very small, but vocal opposition to vaccinations. Rather than enter into any debate, let’s simply look at what we know about measles in light of recent increases in measles cases.
What is Measles?
Measles is an extremely contagious viral illness. Spread airborne through coughing or sneezing, measles affects the immune system, the respiratory system, and results in a red skin rash that covers most of the body. Measles typically affects children, but has the potential to manifest at any age.
Ordinary symptoms of measles include high fever, coughing, runny nose, aches and pains, red eyes, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Common complications of the measles virus include ear infections, eye infections, laryngitis, and various respiratory infections.
Less common, but very severe complications of measles can include convulsion, pneumonia, liver infections, brain inflammation, and death.
Treatment for measles is limited, as there is no cure for the diseases once infected. Typical solutions to viruses such as hydration, rest, and painkillers, can be employed, but generally the virus just has to run its course.
Recent Measles Outbreak
2015 is on track for the highest number of cases of reported measles. During the month of January, 102 cases of measles were reported to the CDC. If this rate of disease contraction continues, it would result in a number that would vastly exceed yearly measles cases since 2000, when the disease was consider eliminated.
The largest measles outbreak of 2015 occurred at Disneyland in California. The CDC estimates that roughly 67 measles cases are directly related to this outbreak, with cases spanning at least 7 states from that initial point of origin. The CDC’s current attribution of the source of the outbreak points to overseas travelers bringing the disease to Disneyland and subsequently infecting unvaccinated Americans.
Yearly Measles Cases in the United States
According to the CDC, from 2000-2010, the median number of reported measles cases was 60. In 2014, however, 644 cases were reported, and 2015’s reported measles cases could top that number.
Further, measles statistics show that prior to the introduction of the measles vaccinations in the early 1960’s, 500,000-800,000 cases of measles were reported yearly, with actual incidence of occurrence (including unreported cases) likely closer to 4 million cases in the United States alone. The CDC believes that prior to measles vaccinations, the disease led to an estimated 400-500 people dead yearly, 48,000 people were hospitalized, and 4,000 suffered brain swelling.
Measles Prevention
The most effective preventative measure for measles, as well as other communicable diseases, is vaccinations. Measles vaccinations are judged to be roughly 97% effective, and are typically given to children in a two-shot method – the first shot occurring when a child is 12-15 months old and the second shot when the child is between 4-6 years old. If a person is not vaccinated as a child, they can still be safely vaccinated as an adult – in fact, many work environments (especially those dealing with children or the ill) are required by law to have a measles vaccination, or proof of immunity through titers.
