Rising Measles Incidents Threaten United States' Disease Elimination Status
A significant rise in measles cases has been observed in South Carolina, raising concerns nationwide. The state has witnessed 646 instances of the disease since autumn, including 88 cases reported recently. This unprecedented increase in measles infections has put the United States at risk of forfeiting its measles elimination status.
Quarantine Measures in South Carolina
In response to this health crisis, over 500 individuals and students from 15 schools have been quarantined after potential exposure to the virus. This outbreak is considered the most severe since Texas experienced over 700 cases a few years ago.
Measles, known as one of the most contagious diseases globally, can easily spread through airborne particles from coughs or sneezes. Up to 90% of non-vaccinated individuals in close proximity can become infected if exposed.
The Center of the Outbreak
The recent surge of 88 new measles cases has been primarily traced back to the northwestern town of Spartanburg, a community of approximately 39,000 residents. Moreover, the disease has managed to infiltrate two local universities, leading to dozens of students being quarantined.
Implications and Complications of Measles
There is no specific treatment for measles, and the virus can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and swelling of the brain. Although the US officially declared the elimination of measles in 2000, the recent spike in anti-vaccine sentiments has led to multiple virus outbreaks in recent years.
Two doses of the measles vaccine, which has been proven safe, are 97% effective at preventing the virus and significantly reduce the severity of infections. To achieve herd immunity, which limits the spread of a disease and protects the unvaccinated, about 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated.
Vaccination Rates and Recent Outbreaks
In Spartanburg County, the epicenter of the outbreak, the vaccination rate for school-aged children is approximately 90%. The past year has seen the worst measles outbreaks in the US in decades, resulting in over 2,000 infections.
Three fatalities were reported in Texas, and recently, Utah and Arizona have also reported hundreds of measles cases. This increase in measles cases coincides with statements from the Health Secretary that seem to downplay the severity of the disease and the importance of vaccination.
The Health Secretary, known for his vaccine skepticism, has sometimes endorsed the MMR vaccine. However, he has also raised unverified claims about its safety and promoted alternative treatments that lack scientific backing.