In 1963, before scientists developed a measles vaccine, the CDC reported an average of 500,000 measles cases and up to 500 deaths annually in the U.S., primarily affecting children. As a result of a highly effective vaccination program, health authorities declared measles eliminated from the U.S. in 2000.
In 2019, the number of measles cases was already on track to set a record. From January 1 to March 28, 2019, the CDC confirmed 387 individual cases in 15 states. This marks the second-highest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 2000, with only 2014 having more reported cases, totaling 667 for the entire year.
So, why do we keep hearing about measles outbreaks?
Measles ranks among the most contagious diseases globally. A single infected person can spread the disease to as many as 18 others through close proximity. Additionally, the virus can survive for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed. Outbreaks occur when the percentage of vaccinated individuals drops below a critical level, causing the population to lose its “herd immunity.”
Where does measles come from?
In the U.S., most cases occur in unvaccinated travelers returning from countries with higher measles incidence due to lower local vaccination rates. For example, in the Philippines, health officials report more than 2,100 measles cases per week across the country. Dozens of other countries, including Ukraine, Vietnam, Israel, Japan, Madagascar, and the UK, are currently experiencing outbreaks.
Why is measles dangerous?
Measles can lead to life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia, beyond just a fever and rash. The most vulnerable are children younger than 5 years of age and adults older than 20 years. One out of four infected individuals will require hospitalization, and about 1 in 1,000 infections results in dangerous brain inflammation or death.
How can I protect myself from getting measles?
Ensure you have received the MMR vaccine, which provides safe and effective protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. Two MMR shots, administered at least a month apart, offer lifetime protection against these potentially serious diseases. Vaccination also prevents you from infecting more vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant mothers or infants too young to receive the vaccine. The MMR vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule in the U.S., usually given around 12 months and 5 years of age. Anyone born in the U.S. before 1957 is considered to have acquired immunity to the disease due to its prevalence at that time.
Especially if you plan to travel overseas, protect yourself and your community by staying adequately immunized with both routine and travel vaccines. You wouldn’t want to be “that guy” on the evening news or “patient zero” to the state health department.
