A growing number of measles cases in the US is frustrating doctors, who say the disease can be entirely prevented with a decades-old vaccine. Since its introduction in the 1950s, the vaccine has prevented millions of cases and nearly eradicated the disease.
However, misinformation about the vaccine has led to an increase in cases in recent years. According to Dr. Max Brito, an infectious diseases professor at University of Illinois Chicago, over 90% of people who get measles are not vaccinated. Those who are vaccinated but contract the disease often have compromised immune systems.
Experts say the vaccine has been proven safe and effective through extensive data, contradicting claims that it causes autism. Dr. Elizabeth Davis, a Rush Medical Center internist, notes that the classic symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, fatigue, and rash. In severe cases, people can develop brain swelling, pneumonia, and long-term consequences like encephalitis.
The spread of measles is serious, with one in five infected individuals hospitalized. Experts say the disease can be quickly contained if proper vaccination efforts are made. Last year’s outbreak at a Chicago migrant shelter was successfully contained after thousands were vaccinated.
Source: https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-illinois-doctors-frustrated-measles-cases-spread-cook-county-encourage-getting-vaccine/16296771