MEASLES RESURGENCE ON A GLOBAL SCALE.

PositionYOUR LIFE

In 2000, measles was declared to be eliminated in the U.S. when no sustained transmission of the virus was seen in this country for more than 12 months. Today, however, the U.S. and many other countries that supposedly had eliminated the disease are experiencing concerning outbreaks because of declines in vaccine coverage.

Without renewed focus on measles vaccination efforts, the disease may rebound in full force, according to commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine by researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Pennsylvania State University Medical Center.

Measles is an extremely contagious illness transmitted through respiratory droplets and aerosolized particles that can remain in the air for up to two hours. Most often seen in young children, the disease is characterized by fever, malaise, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, cough, and a red, splotchy rash. Most people with measles recover without complications within a week.

However, for infants, people with immune deficiencies, and other vulnerable populations, the consequences of a measles infection can be severe. Rare complications can occur, including pneumonia, encephalitis, other secondary infections, blindness, and even death.

Before the measles vaccine was developed...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT