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For many reasons, Measles, which was considered “eliminated” in the United States in the year 2000, has made a resurgence. Measles is a vaccine-preventable virus that is extremely contagious and can have devastating or even deadly complications. As a physician dedicated to the health and wellness of children, and who preaches preventative care every day, I do not a have a neutral stance on the re-emergence of this sinister germ. As a medical director and school advisor, I can compartmentalize my feelings and report the unbiased facts to help inform the community. So here’s a look at the numbers— without any embellishment or political agenda— to let us know how we’re doing.
This table demonstrates that in less than the first 6 months of this year, we have suffered over 10 times the number of Measles infections and had 3 times the number of children die from Measles than just 5 years ago.
This map shows us that Ohio is not exactly in the clear when it comes to housing Measles. While Texas has the most cases (724 since January), Ohio has reported more than 30 cases this year (compare that to zero cases last year) in Ashtabula, Knox, Allen, Defiance, Holmes, and Cuyahoga counties. à |
This graph illustrates the sharp decline in Measles cases in the US following development of the vaccine. About half a million Measles cases were reported annually in 1960, until the vaccine was licensed in 1963. With widely available protection, disease rates plummeted within five years. In 1989, experts began to recommend a second “booster” dose of the vaccine and Measles cases became even more rare.
It is plain to see that preventative care delivers on its promise to prevent illness. Information is power. To remain up-to-date and informed, additional reliable information is available at the CDC website here and the Ohio Department of Health’s Measles FAQ page here. Stay safe!
Written by Dr. Carly Wilbur, UH Pediatrician and PSI Medical Director.
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