The number of measles cases in the United States has surged to 884, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak is affecting multiple states, including Texas, where at least 646 confirmed cases have been reported.
Measles can be deadly, with complications such as blindness, pneumonia, and death occurring frequently. One in five unvaccinated patients are hospitalized, and one to three out of every 1,000 children infected will die from measles-related complications.
Infants, young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Experts say vaccination is key, but declining vaccination rates have led to the resurgence of measles outbreaks.
The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for full protection, with one dose being 93% effective and two doses being 97% effective. However, vaccination levels in some areas are lower than recommended, leaving individuals vulnerable to the highly contagious disease.
While some parents have turned to alternative treatments like vitamin A for their unvaccinated children, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Vitamin A can actually cause harm if taken in large doses, and experts say there is no cure for measles except vaccination.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/900-measles-cases-us/story?id=121156969