Measles cases are on the rise in the US, with over 500 reported just this week. Pitkin County Public Health Epidemiologist Carly Senst attributes the outbreak to travel and low vaccination rates. While she confirms the risk is high for Pitkin County, vaccines can help protect residents.
The main concern for Senst is the high rate of travel within the county, which brings in potential cases. She warns that measles is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to life-threatening conditions. The MMR vaccine is the most effective precaution against measles, with 97% effectiveness after two doses.
Senst credits the decline in vaccination rates following COVID-19 for the recent outbreak. However, Pitkin County has seen an increase in vaccination rates among school-age children. A rate of 94.3% among those from kindergarten to 12th grade is crucial to prevent measles outbreaks.
As the country sees a nationwide trend of declining vaccination rates, Senst emphasizes the importance of community vaccination efforts. She encourages residents to get vaccinated and notes that increasing vaccination rates can help prevent future cases.
Source: https://www.aspentimes.com/news/vaccine-key-to-decreasing-measles-risk-pitkin-county-official-says