Measles is Spreading Again: How to Protect Your Family Now
In recent years, the world has seen a troubling resurgence of measles (known in Spanish as sarampión), a highly contagious viral disease that had once been nearly eliminated in many parts of the world. Public health experts are raising the alarm as outbreaks emerge in regions where the disease was previously under control.
What Is Measles (Sarampión)?
Measles is a viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It’s one of the most contagious diseases in existence—about 90% of non-immune people who are close to an infected person will also become infected.
Symptoms typically include:
High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
A distinctive red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads
Complications can range from ear infections and diarrhea to pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death, particularly in young children and those with weakened immune systems.
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Why Are We Seeing an Epidemic Now?
Several factors have contributed to recent measles outbreaks:
Decline in Vaccination Rates: The main driver of measles epidemics is the drop in immunization coverage. Vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and disrupted healthcare services (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic) have left many children unprotected.
Global Travel: As international travel resumes, infected individuals can unknowingly spread measles across borders, especially to areas with low vaccination coverage.
Healthcare Gaps in Vulnerable Communities: Marginalized populations, such as migrants or those in remote rural areas, often lack access to consistent immunization programs.
How Dangerous Is It?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles killed over 136,000 people globally in 2022—most of them children under 5. In outbreak areas, the healthcare systems can become overwhelmed, particularly if many cases require hospitalization due to complications.
Preventing Measles: The Role of Vaccination
The measles vaccine (often given as the MMR vaccine, which also protects against mumps and rubella) is safe and highly effective. Two doses offer about 97% protection against the disease.
Public health experts stress the importance of maintaining herd immunity, which requires that about 95% of the population be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.
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What Can You Do?
Check Your Vaccination Status: Make sure you and your family members, especially children, are up to date on measles vaccinations.
Educate Others: Combat vaccine misinformation by sharing facts from trusted sources such as the WHO, CDC, or your local health department.
Be Cautious When Traveling: If you’re visiting an area with an active outbreak, ensure you are vaccinated before traveling.
The return of measles is a reminder that public health victories can be reversed if vigilance is lost. By staying informed, promoting vaccination, and supporting health initiatives, we can protect ourselves and our communities from this preventable disease.
