(NEXSTAR) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention caveat Monday raised concerns about rising measles outbreaks as the highly contagious virus spreads in the United States and abroad.
The majority of recent infections have been linked to international travel. According to the CDC, outbreaks have occurred in Austria, the Philippines, Romania, the United Kingdom and other countries.
Measles is most dangerous for young children and pregnant women, but the CDC warns that everyone, especially those planning any type of international travel, should get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus. .
How effective is the vaccine? Who can get it?
Measles is highly contagious. “One person infected with measles can infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people with whom they come in close contact,” the CDC warns.
However, the MMR vaccine (short for measles, mumps, rubella) is highly effective. If someone is exposed to measles, two doses have been shown to be 97% effective in preventing infection. One dose alone is highly effective. It is 93% effective.
Most people receive vaccines as children. The first vaccination can be given after 12 months of age, and the second vaccination is recommended between 4 and 6 years of age.
Teens and adults who didn’t get the vaccine when they were younger can get it later.
Are you fully vaccinated?
The CDC considers you protected from measles if:
- I have been vaccinated twice
- You have only received one dose, but you are either a preschool-age child (so it is not recommended to get the second dose yet) or an adult who is not in a high-risk environment.
- A laboratory has confirmed that you have ever been infected with measles or that you are immune to measles
- you were born before 1957
Do I need a booster?
According to the CDC, according to the U.S. vaccination schedule, once a person is fully vaccinated, no booster shots are needed. The two-dose vaccine is effective for life, according to the CDC.
If you’re not sure if your child was fully vaccinated, you should talk to your health care provider, the agency said. If you can’t keep track of your vaccinations and aren’t sure if you’re immune, you may want to get vaccinated again.
“If you may already have immunity to measles (or mumps or rubella), there is no harm in getting another dose of the MMR vaccine.” CDC says. “Another option is to have your health care provider do a blood test to determine if you are immune, but this is generally not recommended.”
How serious is the current outbreak?
The CDC announced that 58 confirmed cases have been reported in the United States so far in 2024. These cases span 17 jurisdictions.
This may not sound like a big deal, but it is already more than the total number of measles cases in 2023. Last year, the CDC announced there were 58 cases for the entire year.
More than 90% of cases so far this year have been linked to travel.
In severe cases, measles can require ventilation and can lead to death, said Dr. Julia Letuleta of HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital. Babies under 12 months of age are at the highest risk of complications, but adults and older people can also have serious complications from complications.
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