The United States is currently facing a potential major measles outbreak in 2024, with cases in the first two months of the year almost exceeding all of 2023. Hundreds of people in California and Arizona are feared to be infected, with confirmed cases in states where patients visited local hospitals.
Concerns of an outbreak have also risen at a 1,800-strong migrant shelter in Chicago, where four cases have been confirmed, including two in children. Vaccination rates against measles dropped to 93.1 percent for kindergarteners in the 2022-2023 school year, below the 95 percent threshold needed to prevent the virus from spreading.
Measles infections can be prevented with the MMR vaccine, which is more than 97 percent effective. However, the CDC reports that nine out of ten unvaccinated people exposed to measles develop an infection, with potential complications including hospitalization, brain swelling, or even death.
The World Health Organization has warned of a global increase in measles cases in a ‘perfect storm’ scenario. In California, about 300 people may have been exposed to measles after a child infected with the virus visited a medical center. Vaccines are now being administered at the migrant shelter in Chicago to curb the outbreak.
Experts are also cautioning that migrants entering the US could pose a risk of outbreaks due to lower vaccination rates and inadequate screening for diseases. Vaccination rates in the US are falling due to vaccine misinformation and concerns about side effects. The success of widespread vaccination has led to fewer doctors having experience treating measles patients, raising concerns as the number of cases increase.
The public is being urged to ensure they and their children are up to date on their vaccinations to prevent the further spread of measles. With the potential for a major outbreak looming, it is crucial for the community to take action and protect themselves and others against this preventable disease.
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