A recent surge in measles cases has sent shockwaves across multiple U.S. states, with hospitalizations and deaths on the rise. According to public health officials, over 300 confirmed cases have been reported in just two months, with a significant concentration in Gaines County, West Texas. The most concerning outcome is the death of a school-aged child in Texas, marking the first measles-related fatality in a child in the US in 22 years.
Experts are sounding the alarm as more adult deaths linked to measles are reported in New Mexico. Both victims were unvaccinated, highlighting the risks associated with not getting vaccinated against the highly contagious disease. The MMR vaccine has proven to be effective, with a two-dose regimen boasting an impressive 97% efficacy rate. However, achieving herd immunity requires at least 95% of a population to be vaccinated.
The alarming trend in Texas is particularly striking, with an MMR vaccination rate among kindergarteners falling short of the critical threshold by just 0.7%. This slight decrease has led to widespread measles outbreaks, spanning over nine counties. The question on everyone’s mind is: how can a small drop in vaccination rates lead to such a massive outbreak?
Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/see-how-measles-outbreaks-flourish-where-vaccination-rates-fall