In this article we will talk about Measles Outbreak History, its Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment.
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause severe complications and even death, especially in young children and people with compromised immune systems. The disease is caused by the measles virus, which spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Measles Outbreak History
Measles Epidemic 1960s
Measles was once a common childhood illness, but thanks to the development of a vaccine in the 1960s, it has been largely eradicated in many parts of the world. However, outbreaks of measles continue to occur, often in areas with low vaccination rates.
2019 Measles Outbreak
In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there was a 300% increase in measles cases globally compared to the previous year, with large outbreaks occurring in countries such as the United States, the Philippines, and Ukraine.
It is worth noting that measles outbreaks can occur even in countries with high vaccination rates. This is often due to the presence of unvaccinated individuals within a community, who can act as a source of infection for others. For example, in 2017, the outbreak in Minnesota affected over 75 people, many of whom were unvaccinated Somali-American children. The outbreak was traced back to a child who had contracted the virus while traveling abroad, and it quickly spread through the unvaccinated community through close contact and shared spaces.
Measles Outbreak Challenges
One of the challenges in controlling measles outbreaks is that the virus has a long incubation period, which can make it difficult to track the spread of the disease. Symptoms of measles may not appear for up to two weeks after a person is infected, which means that an infected person may unknowingly spread the disease to others during this time. This can make it difficult for public health officials to track the spread of the disease and identify infected individuals.
Another challenge in controlling it is the fact that the disease is highly contagious and can spread quickly, especially in crowded or unvaccinated communities. For example, in 2019, a measles outbreak in Samoa affected over 5,000 people and led to the deaths of over 80 people, many of whom were young children. Also, in 2019, a measles outbreak in New York City affected over 600 people, many of whom were unvaccinated children in the Orthodox Jewish community. The outbreak was traced back to an unvaccinated child who had contracted the virus while traveling abroad, and it quickly spread through the community through close contact and shared spaces.
Major Reasons for the Resurgence of Measles
One of the major reasons for the resurgence of measles is the spread of misinformation about vaccines. Some people believe that vaccines are unsafe or unnecessary, and choose not to vaccinate themselves or their children. This can lead to pockets of unvaccinated individuals within a community, which can facilitate the spread of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Measles is a particularly dangerous disease because it is so contagious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of people who are not immune to measles and come into contact with an infected person will contract the disease. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air or on surfaces, so it is easy to spread through close contact or through shared spaces.
Symptoms of Measles
Symptoms of measles typically appear about 7-14 days after a person is infected. They may include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash usually lasts for about a week and is accompanied by itching. Complications from measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Treatment & Prevention of Measles
There are several steps that individuals and communities can take to help prevent measles outbreaks. One of the most effective is vaccination. The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, and it is safe and well-tolerated. It is especially important for children to be vaccinated, as they are more likely to contract measles and to suffer serious complications from the disease. By increasing vaccination rates within a community, public health officials can reduce the number of susceptible individuals and help to stop the spread of the disease. This can be especially effective when combined with efforts to educate people about the importance of vaccination and to address misinformation about vaccines.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, with a success rate of 97%. The vaccine is typically given to children in two doses, with the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Children who receive both doses of the vaccine are considered fully vaccinated and are at very low risk of contracting measles.
In addition to vaccination, individuals can help to prevent the spread of measles by washing their hands frequently, covering their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze, and staying home when they are sick. Public health officials may also recommend that people in affected areas avoid large gatherings or crowded spaces to reduce the risk of infection, quarantine of infected individuals, isolation of infected individuals in hospitals, and efforts to identify and trace close contacts of infected individuals.
Another important step in preventing outbreak is to address misinformation about vaccines. Some people may be hesitant to get vaccinated due to misinformation or concerns about vaccine safety. It is important to educate people about the benefits of vaccines and to address any misinformation that may be circulating.
Conclusion
Overall, controlling measles outbreaks requires a coordinated response from public health officials, healthcare providers, and community members. By working together, we can take steps to prevent the spread of measles and protect ourselves and our communities from this serious and highly contagious disease. Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease that can have serious consequences for individuals and communities. By getting vaccinated and taking steps to prevent the spread of the disease, we can help to protect ourselves and our communities from outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
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