Measles Resurgence in the US: Vaccination and Herd Immunity as Key to Prevention

Cincinnati, Ohio United States of America
About 48,000 were hospitalized and about 400 to 500 died each year (many of them children).
Before the vaccine became available in the United States in 1963, more than 3 million people contracted measles every year.
Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: one between 12-15 months old and another between 4 and 6 years old.
Higher vaccination rates help protect the community from measles outbreaks. Achieving a herd immunity rate of 95% or greater is essential to prevent measles from spreading.
Measles cases dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic but have since risen again.
Measles is especially deadly for babies and young children who are not vaccinated.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on Earth.
The best protection against measles is vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is approximately 97% effective at preventing measles.
The CDC reported 856 cases of measles in 2019, 1,274 cases in 2020, and over 20,059 cases as of June 27, 2024.
Up to 9 out of 10 people who are not protected will become infected if they breathe the contaminated air or touch a surface that has been infected.
Measles Resurgence in the US: Vaccination and Herd Immunity as Key to Prevention

Title: Measles Outbreaks in the United States: A Call for Vaccination and Community Protection

Subtitle: Understanding the Contagious Nature of Measles and Strategies to Prevent Its Spread

Introduction: Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, has made a comeback in the United States despite being eliminated in 2000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an increase in measles cases from 856 in 2019 to over 20,059 as of June 27, 2024. This surge is a reminder of the importance of vaccination and community protection against this preventable disease.

Background: Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on Earth. It can spread through coughing, sneezing, or even touching a surface that has been infected. Before the vaccine became available in 1963, more than 3 million people contracted measles every year in the United States, leading to approximately 48,000 hospitalizations and about 400 to 500 deaths each year (many of them children).

Facts:

  1. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on Earth.
  2. Up to 9 out of 10 people who are not protected will become infected if they breathe the contaminated air or touch a surface that has been infected.
  3. Measles is especially deadly for babies and young children who are not vaccinated.
  4. The CDC reported 856 cases of measles in 2019, 1,274 cases in 2020, and over 20,059 cases as of June 27, 2024.
  5. Before the vaccine became available in the United States in 1963, more than 3 million people contracted measles every year.
  6. About 48,000 were hospitalized and about 400 to 500 died each year (many of them children).
  7. Measles cases dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic but have since risen again.

Prevention: The best protection against measles is vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is approximately 97% effective at preventing measles. Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: one between 12-15 months old and another between 4 and 6 years old.

Community protection: Higher vaccination rates help protect the community from measles outbreaks. Achieving a herd immunity rate of 95% or greater is essential to prevent measles from spreading.

Conclusion: Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications and even death, especially for young children who are not vaccinated. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect individuals and communities against measles outbreaks. By ensuring that children receive their recommended doses of the MMR vaccine, we can work together to prevent the spread of this disease.



Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

100%

  • Unique Points
    • Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on Earth.
    • Up to 9 out of 10 people who are not protected will become infected if they breathe the contaminated air or touch a surface that has been infected.
    • Measles is especially deadly for babies and young children who are not vaccinated.
    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 856 cases of measles in 2019, 1,274 cases in 2020, and 20,059 cases in 2024 (as of June 27)
    • Before the vaccine became available in 1963, more than 3 million people contracted measles every year in the United States.
    • About 48,000 were hospitalized and about 400 to 500 died each year (many of them children).
    • Measles cases dropped during covid-19 but have since risen again.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • Approximately 9 million cases of measles worldwide in 2022
    • Over half of the measles cases in the U.S. have resulted in hospitalization for management of complications
    • The goal vaccination rate to induce herd immunity is 95% or greater, but the U.S. currently has a 90.8% vaccination rate for children by 24 months of age
    • A 5% drop in vaccine coverage can increase measles cases threefold
    • Hospital-acquired measles is a real threat with up to 50% of measles outbreaks occurring in health care facilities
  • Accuracy
    • About 48,000 were hospitalized and about 400 to 500 died each year (many of them children) before the vaccine became available in 1963
    • Measles cases dropped during covid-19 but have since risen again
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

91%

Measles cases rising

Fox19 News Monday, 29 April 2024 21:15
  • Unique Points
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Accuracy
    • The number of measles cases is on the rise
    • Up to 9 out of 10 people who are not protected will become infected if they breathe the contaminated air or touch a surface that has been infected.
    • Measles cases dropped during covid-19 but have since risen again.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • Two doses of measles vaccine are recommended to prevent outbreaks.
    • If more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated against measles, the virus cannot spread.
    • Measles causes over 100,000 deaths per year globally and cases are on the rise in Europe.
    • Most measles cases occur in unvaccinated children, particularly infants who are at high risk of hospitalization.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article makes several statements that are factual and do not contain any logical fallacies. However, there is an instance of an appeal to authority when the article states 'The vast majority of scientists and doctors are clear that the benefits of vaccination outweigh any risks.' This statement is true but it would be stronger if the article provided evidence or sources to support this claim.
    • The measles virus is highly infectious. In fact, someone who catches measles can pass it to as many as eighteen others unless those other people are vaccinated or previously recovered from infection.
    • For measles, R0 is between 12 and 18. Flu, by comparison, has an estimated R0 of between 1 and 2.
    • There are many reasons why a child might miss out on their recommended vaccines. These include Their age: children usually vaccinated after the age of 12 months.
    • The vast majority of scientists and doctors are clear that the benefits of vaccination outweigh any risks.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

  • Unique Points
    • Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through coughing and sneezing.
    • Measles can be serious and lead to hospitalization or even death for some individuals.
    • Vaccination is the best protection against measles. The MMR vaccine is approximately 97% effective at preventing measles.
    • Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, one between 12-15 months old and another between 4 and 6 years old.
    • Higher vaccination rates help protect the community from measles outbreaks.
    • At this time, there have been reported cases of measles in Spokane County and Oregon.
  • Accuracy
    • ]Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through coughing and sneezing.[
    • Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on Earth.
    • Up to 9 out of 10 people who are not protected will become infected if they breathe the contaminated air or touch a surface that has been infected.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication