Thought to have been eradicated in the year 2000, measles have reemerged in the United States over the past few years.
In the last year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 280 cases across the United States and 16 outbreaks of the virus. 40% of these cases resulted in hospitalization for the individual. Illinois and Minnesota have reported the most measles cases in the last year.
Pregnant women and children under the age of 5 are some of the most at risk individuals when it comes to measles. One way to mitigate the spread of the virus is through vaccinations.
Dr. Doug Kasper, an infectious disease specialist with OSF Healthcare, says that fortunately, widespread vaccinations are a standard part of care in the United States.
"As children we receive two shots of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine starting at age one. The second shot will be before entering school at age four or five," said Dr. Kasper. "The vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles. So, while measles is highly infectious, we have a nationwide response to prevent outbreaks of infection."
According to OSF Healthcare one dose alone of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is 93% effective, after your second dose this goes up to 97% effective. Dr. Kasper recommends to complete the vaccine series to prevent outbreaks.