Measles

Measles: Your reasons to vaccinate

In April the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that there have been 34 cases of measles statewide since March 2019. Oakland and Wayne counties have had the highest prevalence rate, although the outbreak is not limited to just one area. Those infected have been between 8 months old and 63 years old. Wherever people gather, the unvaccinated are at risk: a risk both to themselves and others they may infect. This risk of rampant contagion is why some states are restricting access to public spaces for those not vaccinated. The measles vaccine has been proven to be highly effective against the spread of this disease since its implementation in 1963. In 1971, the measles vaccine was combined with vaccines for mumps and rubella and is commonly known as the MMR vaccine.

Know the facts regarding the vaccination:

·A single dose protects about 95% of children, and after 2 doses, almost 100% are immune

·A person cannot get measles from the vaccine

How measles spreads - the signs and symptoms:

·Direct spread through person-person contact and through the air (cover your cough and use a tissue)

·The virus is capable of living 2 hours in the air where the infected person was present

·Symptoms include: high fever (may spike to 104 degrees), red watery eyes, runny nose, cough, tiny white spots on the inside of the cheek, roof of mouth, and gums, as well as a rash that is blotchy and raised (may start on face and travel to trunk)

Why is this a concern in public health? The CDC (2018) highlights complications from measles.

·For those children who contract measles, 1 out of 20 will develop pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.

·Encephalitis (swelling of the brain) may develop and it can lead to convulsions sometimes leaving the child deaf or with intellectual disability.

·1 or 2 children out of the 1,000 children who get measles will die from it. Is it worth the risk?

Still have questions? The "I vaccinate" campaign is available to answer any additional questions you may have to help you make educated and informed decisions regarding vaccination. Visit Ivaccinate.org.

On April 28, 2019 Reuters New Service published the following article referencing the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the recent measles outbreak and whether adult booster immunizations are indicated:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/u-measles-outbreak-raises-questions-immunity-adults-144506034--finance.ht...

Booster immunizations are not currently recommended for everyone and most insurances are not covering the cost at this time. This office has the booster shots available if you think you may be at risk but charges may apply if your insurance does not cover this.