Pop! Goes the Measles!

The Measles had been declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. It is still considered eliminated even though of the frequent occurrence of measles in small pockets of the United States throughout the years. The World Health Organization defines the measles elimination as “the absence of endemic measles virus transmission in a defined geographical area (e.g. region or country) for at least 12 months in the presence of a surveillance system that has been verified to be performing well.” This definitions requires an endemic to occur, the small flare ups of the measles are not considered endemics allowing the US to keep their elimination status. However the United States is at risk for losing their elimination status because of the influence of the anti-vaxx movement. Even if the United States loses their elimination status there is still a low risk to obtain the measles in the United States. Yet it would look really bad for the United States, an international leader and power, to lose its elimination status on the basis of the anti-vaxx movement. A movement based off poor and faulty scientific practice. Ultimately it would be embarrassing and threaten the legitimacy of United States’ medical research. To then, cause a downward spiral of the medical advancements achieved in the world.

In 2019, 1,282 cases of measles were reported in the US. However it is not just a reemergence in the united states it is a global problem as more than 140,000 people died from the measles last year. How did we get here? Vaccination rates are declining as more people believe the “cons” of vaccines are worst than the pros. Yes “cons” because there are no major threats of the MMRV or MMR vaccine to a person. There is no connection to autism or mental handicaps. As of 2019, only 69% of Americans think the risk of the side effects of the MMR are low this is the same as the study conducted in 2016. We are supposed to be advancing the education to the public on vaccines not allowing it to remain stagnant. It is important to educate the people. 93% of people with a postgraduate degree state the health benefits of the MMR vaccine are very high while only 68% of those with a high school degree agree. It is important to focus educational efforts on those who have limited educational experience to increase the 68%. By educating those who lack the resources to do so, will increase the rate of vaccination and help eradicate measles.

MMRV/MMR Vaccine

It is important to obtain vaccines because they protect beyond the targeted disease. The MMR/MMRV vaccine provides your body protection from the complications that arise with the measles. Measles have complications such as pneumonia, hepatitis, and viral meningitis. This is because the presence of the measles in the body leaves the body weak and susceptible to outside infections. It is crucial to obtain both doses of the MMR/MMRV vaccine to complete immunity. Obtaining one dose, still leaves you at risk for the complications. A case of measles complicated by hepatitis the person only received one dose the same as another case which resulted in appendicitis and meningitis. This is why is it important to be on top of your immunization records and be sure to obtain all of your immunizations on time. It is simple steps like this that can lead to the eradication of measles.