A measles outbreak in a West Texas county has highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing infectious diseases. The outbreak, which has affected over two dozen people, is completely preventable if proper precautions are taken.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University, said that the outbreak was “troubling” because it was entirely preventable with safe and effective vaccines. He emphasized that measles is still a risk when individuals do not take necessary precautions, despite being one of the most contagious diseases known to humans.
According to Adalja, the MMR vaccine is highly effective, with one dose providing 93% protection against measles and two doses offering 97% protection. However, it’s essential to note that some individuals may still be at risk if they are not vaccinated or have underlying health conditions.
The Texas outbreak serves as a reminder of the risks associated with low vaccination rates. Nationwide, several states have seen vaccination rates decline, putting herd immunity at risk. In Florida, for example, the vaccination rate for kindergartners has fallen to 88.1%, making it one of the lowest in decades.
Measles symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening if left untreated. According to health officials, hospitalization rates are significantly higher among unvaccinated individuals, with 1 in 5 experiencing serious complications. It’s crucial that Americans understand the importance of vaccination in preventing measles outbreaks like this one.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/measles-outbreak-texas-preventable-symptoms