Avoid bringing your kids to the emergency department for suspected measles: plea from the nurse
In a concerning turn of events, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant increase in measles cases in the United States, with over 483 confirmed cases across more than a dozen states as of recent records. This resurgence is primarily due to declining vaccination rates and outbreaks concentrated in communities with low vaccination coverage.
The highly contagious nature of measles means that when vaccination rates dip below the herd immunity threshold (typically around 95%), community transmission becomes easier, leading to more cases primarily among the unvaccinated or those with unknown vaccination status. According to data, about 92-97% of recent cases are in people unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status, with only a very small proportion occurring in fully vaccinated individuals.
This trend is evident in the ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas, where over 750 cases have occurred, including several deaths—all among unvaccinated persons. Nationally, vaccination rates have fallen from about 95% in 2019 to 92% in 2023, with even lower rates in some areas, such as parts of Texas where outbreak vaccination coverage dropped to around 82% or less.
Dr. Lou Bartolo, the President of the Maryland Nurses Association, emphasized the high risk posed by measles to all age groups. He also stated that getting the vaccine outweighs any risks of vaccine side effects or having a case of the measles. The risk of side effects is low for healthy children and adults.
In response to the rising cases, health alerts have been issued in various locations, such as Washington D.C. and Prince George's County Public Schools, following confirmed measles cases. It's never too late to get your vaccine, according to Dr. Bartolo. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, take certain medications, or have a weakened immune system, it's essential to contact your physician to determine if you should take the vaccine.
The CDC reported that 97% of the Measles cases this year have been in people who are not vaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. Medical experts are seeing an uptick in anti-vaccination sentiments, but the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the potential risks. The measles vaccine does not have a booster, and after the two required doses, people are fully vaccinated against the virus.
In light of these developments, it's crucial for individuals to prioritize their health and the health of their communities by getting vaccinated against measles. By doing so, we can help prevent the spread of this highly contagious and potentially deadly disease.
- The increase in measles cases highlights the importance of science in understanding and addressing medical conditions.
- Science plays a crucial role in the development of therapies and treatments for chronic diseases like measles.
- Sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and wellness, especially during workplace-wellness programs.
- Declining vaccination rates are partly due to misinformation about cancer that is spread via the internet.
- Respiratory conditions such as asthma can be exacerbated by climate change, leading to more hospitalizations and visits to healthcare providers.
- A healthy digestive system is vital for good eye-health, as poor digestion can lead to nutrient deficiencies that can affect vision.
- Untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of developing mental-health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
- Regular fitness and exercise can help improve mens-health, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and prostate cancer.
- The types of skin-care products used can affect the risk of developing skin-conditions such as acne and eczema.
- Autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis require ongoing medical management to prevent complications.
- Neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's have a significant impact on aging and require interventions for treatment.
- Women's-health issues, such as menstrual disorders, pregnancy complications, and breast cancer, are crucial components of healthcare services.
- Parenting involves a variety of challenges, including weight-management for both the child and the parent.
- A balanced diet rich in nutrition is key to maintaining cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Aging can lead to issues with eye-health, hearing, and skin-care, making regular check-ups with medical professionals important.
- Biohazard suits are essential for medical workers in dealing with contagious diseases such as measles in the industry.
- Medicare coverage for vaccines can help ensure that elderly individuals receive necessary preventative care.
- The rising trend of using CBD oil as an alternative treatment for various medical conditions is a topic of ongoing debate within the scientific community.
- Environmental-science research has shown a link between respiratory conditions and air pollution, making clean air initiatives important for public health.
- Fitness-and-exercise apps are increasingly popular tools for personal-finance-conscious individuals looking to make focused improvements in their health and wellness.
- The high-tech gadgets that monitor health metrics are becoming more accessible and affordable, making it easier for individuals to track their health.
- Data and cloud computing technologies have revolutionized the way health information is stored and shared, improving efficiency and reducing errors in medical diagnoses.
- Artificial-intelligence applications in healthcare are a rapidly growing field, with the potential to revolutionize therapies and treatments for numerous medical-conditions.
- Mental-health awareness campaigns aim to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage individuals to seek support and treatment.
- Skin-care brands have increasingly been incorporating cleaner, more eco-friendly formulations into their products, in response to growing concerns about environmental-impacts.
- The art of relationship building is a crucial component of personal and professional life, and can be improved through therapy and self-care practices.
- The long-term consequences of not vaccinating children against measles or other diseases can extend beyond just health issues, affecting their educational attainment and future employment prospects in various industries like finance and technology.
