A measles outbreak has seen a 1,500% increase nationwide, with cases skyrocketing by more than 1,500% since the pandemic hit a record low. The disease can be life-threatening in infants and young children, leading to pneumonia, dehydration, and brain damage.
Measles vaccine rates have fallen below herd immunity levels in 39 states, including California, which is not among them. However, cases of whooping cough, another preventable illness, have surged by over 1,500% nationwide since the pandemic. Whooping cough can be fatal in infants and young children, causing pneumonia, pauses in breathing, dehydration, and brain damage.
According to a report by ProPublica, two babies in Louisiana have died from pertussis in the last six months, while Washington state has reported its first confirmed death from pertussis in over a decade. Idaho and South Dakota have also reported deaths this year, with Oregon reporting its highest number of cases since 1950.
Measles has sickened 800 people in 10 outbreaks so far this year, with most cases part of an outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed cases in 25 jurisdictions across the US. Experts warn that widespread vaccine hesitancy is driving these outbreaks, putting children and young adults at risk.
“We’re seeing a pattern here that’s concerning,” said Dr. Anna Durbin, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “There’s going to be a large outbreak of not just measles but other vaccine-preventable diseases that will cause harm and possibly deaths in children and young adults.”
Source: https://patch.com/california/across-ca/infectious-disease-has-increased-1-500-nationwide-see-ca-data