In the year 2000, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) declared Measles had been eliminated in the United States, mostly attributable to a highly effective vaccination campaign against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (jointly delivered in the MMR vaccine). Just a decade before this declaration, about 4 million people each year in the US contracted Measles, most of them before 10th grade. Of those, 48,000 were hospitalized, 1,000 suffered encephalitis (dangerous brain swelling), and nearly 500 died.
The first Measles vaccine became available in 1968. In 1978, the CDC set a goal of eliminating Measles in the US through wide-spread vaccination. The movement was a success— The incidence of Measles in 1981 as compared to just one year earlier showed an 80% decrease.
Between Tik-Tok doctoring, erosion of public trust in government, and bad actors who set out to weaken trust between patients and medical professionals, our national rate of MMR vaccination has declined.
This chart, based on CDC data collection, demonstrates the shocking rise in Measles cases in the last couple of years. And Measles isn’t just a mild cold. It has significant symptoms associated with infection, often lasting at least two weeks, and is highly contagious, mandating isolation until it’s entirely resolved. Symptoms like high fever (often >104F), rash, sore throat, runny nose, and pinkeye. Because it’s viral, there are no antibiotics to help combat it, just the healing power of time.
The nasal congestion from the initial viral infection can set patients up for serious bacterial infections like pneumonia, sinusitis, and ear infections. In rare cases, Measles infection can cause blindness or brain damage. Unique to Measles is the threat of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) 7-10 years after infection. While rare, SSPE is a progressive and almost always fatal brain disorder caused by lingering Measles viral material.
Studies show that even a single MMR vaccine is 93% effective against contracting a severe case of Measles. Two MMR vaccines (a complete series) is 97% effective in its protection. Side effects of the MMR vaccines are the same as most childhood immunizations— mild fever, or soreness/redness at the site. There has never been credible evidence that MMR or any vaccine causes Autism.
Measles, considered eliminated in our country only six years ago, has made a comeback. This is largely due to waning vaccination rates. Measles is miserable and dangerous and can even be fatal. We have a reliable, safe method of stopping its spread and saving lives. Vaccinate for your own safety and those around you.
