Summary:
Pediatric infectious disease experts emphasize the critical importance of measles vaccination as outbreaks resurge in the U.S. Measles, a highly contagious virus, poses severe health risks, particularly to children under 5. The MMR vaccine is the most effective preventive measure, yet vaccination rates have declined, leading to increased cases and hospitalizations. Experts urge parents to consult healthcare providers if exposure is suspected and stress the vaccine’s safety and efficacy.
What This Means for You:
- Ensure your child is up-to-date on the MMR vaccine to prevent measles and its complications.
- If you suspect measles exposure, contact your healthcare provider immediately—do not attempt self-treatment.
- Be aware of the severe risks, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and SSPE, especially for young children.
- Stay informed about local vaccination campaigns and public health advisories to protect your family.
Experts Stress Importance of Vaccination Amidst Measles Outbreaks:
Pediatric infectious diseases experts stress the importance of vaccination against measles, one of the most contagious viruses, which is once more spreading in the United States. In the article published in Pediatrics, they update pediatricians on this vaccine-preventable disease, which was previously declared non-endemic in the U.S.
“The most effective way to prevent measles is vaccination,” said lead author Caitlin Naureckas Li, MD MHQS, infectious diseases specialist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “If parents are concerned that their child was exposed to measles or may have measles, they should call their child’s doctor. They should not attempt to treat measles on their own without a physician’s advice.”
Measles carries risk of serious complications that may require hospitalization. Dr. Li and colleagues point out that in 2024 in the U.S., 40 percent of people with confirmed measles were hospitalized, including 52 percent of children under 5 years and 25 percent of those 5-19 years.
The authors also highlight that in the U.S., the measles mortality rate is estimated to be one-three deaths per 1,000 infections. The risk of death is higher in those under 5 years of age.
One of the more common complications of measles is pneumonia, with the lungs involved in over 50 percent of measles cases. Measles also can impact the brain. Encephalitis—an illness that can be fatal or lead to long-term brain damage in survivors—occurs in about one out of every 1,000 cases. SSPE, a near-universally deadly brain disorder that occurs years after measles infection, is another potential complication that strikes one in 100,000 cases, with higher risk in children under 1 year of age.
“MMR vaccination is safe,” emphasized Dr. Li. “This vaccine is the best way for families to protect their children from potentially life-threatening complications.”
Extra Information:
For more details on measles prevention and vaccination schedules, visit the CDC’s Measles Information Page. To understand the risks of vaccine hesitancy, explore the WHO’s Measles Fact Sheet.
People Also Ask About:
- What are the symptoms of measles? Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash.
- How effective is the MMR vaccine? The MMR vaccine is 97% effective after two doses.
- Can adults get measles? Yes, unvaccinated adults are at risk, especially in outbreak areas.
- What are the long-term effects of measles? Complications can include brain damage, hearing loss, and immune system suppression.
Expert Opinion:
“The resurgence of measles is a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination. Herd immunity protects the most vulnerable, and declining vaccination rates jeopardize public health. Parents must prioritize their children’s health by ensuring they receive the MMR vaccine,” says Dr. Caitlin Naureckas Li.
Key Terms:
- Measles vaccination importance
- MMR vaccine safety and efficacy
- Measles complications in children
- Measles outbreak prevention
- Pediatric infectious disease expert advice
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
Source link
