Measles

Measles Outbreak

In 2000 Measles was declared eliminated, having no outbreaks. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. Each year there are a number of Measles cases, but in the past year there have been two outbreaks leading to about six hundred and forty four cases in about twenty seven states in 2014, and one hundred and forty one cases so far in 2015. All of these cases in 2015 represent eighty seven percent of the outbreaks from one source. Measles is a virus that is easily spread through air by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and a blotchy rash all over the body. People who are contagious are urged to avoid crowded places.

Health officials recommend unvaccinated people in close contact with an infected patient be quarantined for twenty one days. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and children who may experience complications such as pneumonia. In rare cases, measles can be deadly. Measles is said to have reappeared from overseas. The infected person most likely got in contact with the disease and was contagious as they came back to the states. The Health Department has narrowed down to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure in December. Measles is extremely contagious because it will stay in the air for about two hours after the infected person coughs or sneezes. There is not a specific cure for the measles because it is caused by a virus. There is, however, one idea that taking Vitamin A might make the illness milder. One way you can prevent measles is to get the vaccine. Now some disagree and say that getting the vaccine is pointless and a waste of money.

Getting the vaccine can stop the spread and prevent others from contracting the virus. There is a theory called the herd effect this means that “every person who is successfully vaccinated reduces the potential sources of infection, thus reducing the risk to unvaccinated people. This reduction in risk is sometimes called the herd effect....