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As both a mother and a doctor, I am concerned about the resurgence of measles in our community. The CDC issued a recent statement regarding the incidents, highlighting that there are as many incidents occurring in 2024 as there were throughout 2023. Historically, incidents in the United States have been travel-related. However, not all current cases are travel-related, suggesting person-to-person transmission in the community.
Recent years have seen an alarming rise in measles cases, posing challenges to both public health officials and parents alike. As a mother, I understand the instinct to protect children from harm. As a physician, I know that vaccination is critical to preventing the spread of certain infectious diseases, such as measles. Here are her five important things every parent should know about measles.
1. Measles is highly contagious
Measles is not a trivial disease for children. It is highly contagious, spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can persist on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person has left. In fact, measles is so contagious that up to 90% of susceptible people who come into close contact with an infected person will contract the virus.
CDC issues measles alert as number of infections in 2024 is already equal to number of infections in all of 2023
2. Measles can cause serious complications
While some may dismiss measles as a harmless childhood disease, the reality is much more serious. Measles can cause serious complications, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems. These complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death. The harsh reality is that nearly 3 in 1,000 children infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurological complications.
Florida has recently reported 10 measles cases, most of them at one elementary school. (image)
3. Know the signs and symptoms
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of measles is critical for early detection and containment. Common symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. If your child develops any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and inform the health care provider that they may have been exposed to measles.
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4. Vaccination is the best prevention measure
Measles vaccine is usually given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and is effective in preventing measles. Studies have shown that two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles. Vaccinations not only protect your child, but also help build herd immunity, reduce the chance of an outbreak, and protect vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
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5. Stay informed
Understanding and staying informed about local and international measles outbreaks is of paramount importance for both individuals and communities. Being aware of the outbreak allows people to take proactive measures to protect themselves and others, such as avoiding travel to certain places, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding crowded places where the virus can easily spread. You can take this course.
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Protecting children from the surge in measles cases requires a multifaceted approach. Vaccination remains the cornerstone of prevention and provides strong protection against this highly contagious disease. Additionally, limiting travel to areas with known outbreaks and maintaining awareness of local outbreaks will help parents and communities take proactive measures to keep children and vulnerable populations safe. You will be able to secure
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