Say it ain't so, Tracker gang, measles are on the rise!!
Since December 1st, 2023, the CDC has reported 23 cases of measles in the U.S., with most cases affecting children and adolescents who have not been vaccinated (2024). Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. It is so contagious that 90% of people close to an infected person who are not immune will become infected as well (CDC, n.d-a.). Transmission occurs through breathing contaminated air or touching an infected surface, then touching their eyes, noses, or mouths (CDC, n.d-a.).
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes (CDC, n.d.-b). The measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after initial symptoms. Measles can cause serious complications, disability, and even lead to death (CDC, n.d.-a)
But have no fear, gang, because vaccination is HIGHLY effective in preventing infection and transmission (CDC, n.d-a.)! Make sure you are up to date on your MMR vaccine. And if you have any little ones or know any people who are pregnant and/or immunocompromised, please encourage them to get their MMR vaccine as well, as they are the most vulnerable populations. Let's all do our part in keep ourselves and one-and-another safe, happy, and healthy!
References:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity. Retrieved from emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/012524.html
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.-a). CDC Measles Transmission. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/transmission.html
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.-b). CDC Measles Signs and Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/signs-symptoms.html
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