Measles are Worse this Year
So far in the last three months, the measles outbreak has reached a whole new number, higher than last year. some of the cases were in the migrant shelter in Chicago, a children’s hospital, and a daycare in Philadelphia. As well as an elementary school in southeast Florida all in 2024.
So far there has been a total of 64 cases, whereas last year the U.S. only had 59. With this being said in total 17 states have had at least one outbreak as of Thursday, March 21, 2024.
What is this disease? What is its effect?
This infectious disease is extremely contagious, it is a virus that attacks the respiratory tract and spreads all throughout one’s body. However, it is the most lethal to smaller infants and there is no exact treatment for this. However, those children who are infected by it should be drinking tons of fluids. As well as, staying away from school or any other activities involving others especially kids, and getting rest.
Typically one can prevent catching this virus if vaccinated however, even if receiving the vaccine you can still get measles. That goes for any disease that comes with a vaccine like the flu or COVID. What are the side effects of the vaccine?
The following include some of the measles vaccine side effects:
- Swelling of salivary glands.
- Fever (can be more than 39.4 °C), lasting two to three days.
- Localized pain, redness and swelling at the injection site.
- Head cold, runny nose, cough or puffy eyes.
- Faint red rash.
If you are experiencing any of these issues call your doctor and consult with them.
Why is this Disease Becoming Worse in the U.S. ?
Measles has peaked a whole new number of outbreaks this year. Most of the cases that have been reported in the U.S. are being linked to some international travel, which typically happens a lot more than some think. Not all cases are with measles, ebola, and many others as well. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, gave his statement on the situation on the rise. “Given the impact on vaccine confidence that we’ve seen after COVID, and during COVID,” the doctor said, “I think we have to just keep that drumbeat going.”
Measles having reached its highest point with a whole new number this year is causing some people to be worried. Can one blame them? Most of the people worried have children of their own and are worried their child may catch this fatal virus. Many children in the U.S. struggling with health issues without this going around, it is definitely a scary thing.
If contracted, measles can be “highly contagious” and lead to “severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death,” the government agency said. What type of virus is measles? An airborne virus, bacteria, or viruses that are most commonly transmitted through small respiratory droplets. These droplets are expelled when someone with the airborne disease sneezes, coughs, laughs, or otherwise exhales in some way.
What are the Symptoms of this Disease?
- Koplik’s spots.
- Runny nose.
- Fever.
- A skin rash.
- Sore throat.
- Dry cough.
During the first 10-14 days after infection, the infection will spread throughout the body However, there aren’t typically symptoms during this point. However, when the symptoms do start it begins with a mild to moderate fever as well as a few more symptoms.
Do keep in mind, that every person is different, and symptoms may vary based on the person.
Pamela Gomez is a respiratory disease epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. She pointed out that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is safe and has a 97% effectiveness rate. As well as saying that it is important that people are protected, and to be aware of the symptoms.
Which can be as simple as a high fever, cough, or runny nose leading to a rash three to five days later.
Is this Disease Contagious?
A person with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days. This starts four days before the rash appears and ends when the rash has been present for four days. How does it spread?
Infectious droplets may also land on a surface, where they can live and spread for several hours. Putting your fingers in your mouth or nose or rubbing your eyes after touching the infected surface can pass the virus onto you.
Call your health care provider if you think you or your child may have been exposed to measles or if you or your child has a rash that looks like measles.
By Key Robertson
Sources
US Today: US measles cases surpass 2023 total in first three months of this year, CDC says
KSL TV: Measles outbreaks draw concern
Mayo Clinic: Measles
Featured Image Courtesy of Marco Verch Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Image by Kessalia19 Courtesy of Wikimedia – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of NIAID Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
