The U.S. officially eradicated measles more than 20 years ago, but the declining vaccination rates are now leading to new outbreaks of the disease. In Philadelphia, nine measles cases were reported, with the outbreak starting in a hospital and spreading to other medical facilities and a day care center. The MMR vaccine coverage has dropped below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, raising concerns about the potential for more measles cases and hospitalizations. Experts worry about the impact of the anti-vaccine movement on childhood immunizations and the rising number of nonmedical vaccination exemptions in the country.
Measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus, is making a comeback in the U.S. due to declining vaccination rates. In Philadelphia, a cluster of nine cases spread from a hospital to other medical facilities and a day care center. The MMR vaccine coverage dropped below the 95% threshold for herd immunity during the 2021-2022 school year, raising concerns about the potential for more measles cases requiring hospitalization. Experts warn that the trend of declining vaccination rates and increasing nonmedical vaccination exemptions poses a significant risk to public health in the United States.
5 Comments
Muchacha
Vaccines have saved countless lives and are a critical tool in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Martin L King
I trust the scientific community's consensus on the importance of childhood immunizations.
G P Floyd Jr
It's concerning to see the declining vaccination rates leading to measles outbreaks in the U.S.
Rolihlahla
Measles outbreaks are entirely preventable through widespread vaccination efforts.
Muchacha
Measles may seem like a minor illness, but it can have serious complications, especially for young children and the immunocompromised.