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The United States and Canada are facing one of the worst measles outbreaks in years. The virus has now also spread to Mexico.
So far, there have been 2,500 reported cases and four deaths across the three countries. Experts say the main reason is that some people are still refusing vaccines.
There is a very high probability that the epidemic will spread to Caribbean islands if the populations (and visitors) are not fully innoculated.
What is measles?
Measles is a very contagious virus. It starts with a high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and sensitivity to light. After a few days, a red rash usually shows up on the face and spreads down the body. People may also feel very tired and lose their appetite.
Most people get better in two to three weeks. But measles can be dangerous, especially for small children and people with weak immune systems. Complications can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, or even swelling in the brain. This brain swelling (called encephalitis) can cause lifelong problems or death.
In rich countries, about one in every 5,000 measles cases leads to death. In poorer countries, that number can be as high as one in every 100 cases.
Before the vaccine was available in 1963, there were about 3 to 4 million cases every year in the U.S., with many hospital stays and hundreds of deaths. But by the year 2000, thanks to widespread vaccinations, measles was declared “eliminated” in the U.S. That means the virus was no longer spreading inside the country.
When a disease stops spreading because many people are protected by vaccines, it’s called “herd immunity.”
What is herd immunity?
Herd immunity happens when so many people are protected (either by vaccine or by having already had the disease) that the illness can’t spread easily.
For measles, about 95% of the community needs to be immune to reach herd immunity. Because measles spreads so easily, even a small drop in vaccination rates can allow it to come back.
When enough people are protected, even those who can’t get vaccinated—like newborn babies or people with certain medical problems—are kept safe, because the disease has a hard time finding anyone to infect.
Source: Al Jazeera.
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