United States: In a recent statement issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), a confirmed case of measles that was reported in early this month thought the Authorities have sent the notifications to the individuals who may have come into contact with the infected person, advising them of potential exposure risks.
Global Measles Outbreaks
Measles, noted by the Massachusetts DPH as highly contagious compared to other diseases, has seen a rise in both cases and outbreaks across Europe and other global regions.
Vaccination Urgency
Individuals who have not received vaccinations are particularly vulnerable to contracting the infection, highlighting the importance of vaccination efforts to curb further spread.
The CDC reports there are total number of 167 cases of measles were reported in United states in 2024
So, the stats are something like this:
- 84 percent were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
- 11 percent had one dose of the measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine.
- 5 percent had almost 2 doses
- 46 percent of them were under the age of 5 years.
- 53 percent were hospitalized.
Symptoms caused by Measles:
The symptoms which you got early are expected 10 days two weeks after exposure and those symptoms include fever cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash.
So, here the health officials says that the best way to protect yourself from measles is by getting at least one dose of the Measles, mumps and Rubella vaccine. As per to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at stopping measles and one dose is almost 93 percent effective.
Certain Massachusetts residents are required to be vaccinated against the measles and some health care workers and all the children in kindergarten and 12th grade and college.
Keep thing in mind if planning to travel internationally
All the travellers from aging 12 months and older should have alteast 2 doses of MMR given minimum of 28 days apart or a blood test showing the immunity.
Children aging 6 through 11 months of age should receive 1 dose of MMR before travelling.
These children will still require getting their 2 routine doses of MMR at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age.