Measles resurgence threatens global health, with rising cases and travel-related risks. Experts discuss the outbreak's impact on healthcare.
Please confirm that you would like to log out of Medscape. If you log out, you will be required to enter your username and password the next time you visit., Director, Vaccine Education Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Maurice R.
Hilleman Professor of Vaccinology and Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Family Physician, Founding Chair and Professor of Family Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York; Chair, Board of Directors, American Academy of Family PhysiciansDespite being considered eliminated in the United States 24 years ago, measles has made a return, primarily due to declines in vaccination rates and increased international travel.Measles is highly contagious; up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals near an infected person will contract the virus. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash that starts on the head and spreads to the rest of the body.Recent years have seen a slight decline in vaccination rates among kindergarteners, from 95.2% to 93.1%, raising concerns about increased susceptibility to outbreaks. Vaccine hesitancy has been exacerbated by misinformation and philosophical objections to vaccination, particularly amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health officials stress the importance of countering misinformation and ensuring that the public understands the severe risks posed by measles compared to the minimal risks of vaccination.Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective outbreak response. Polymerase chain reaction testing is recommended for confirming cases.Given the global nature of measles transmission, heightened vigilance and vaccination are recommended for international travelers. Infants traveling internationally may receive an MMR dose as early as 6 months of age, though this is not the routine recommendation for all children.Strengthen public health messaging on the importance of the MMR vaccine to counteract the declining trend in vaccination rates.Address vaccine hesitancy through targeted education efforts that correct misinformation and emphasize the benefits of vaccination both for individuals and the community. This event serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by measles, particularly in a time of increasing global mobility and fluctuating vaccination coverage. The panel underscores the need for sustained public health efforts to maintain measles elimination status in the United States and prevent future outbreaks. Editor's Note: This article was created using several editorial tools, including ChatGPT, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see ourComments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see ourHelp us make reference on Medscape the best clinical resource possible. Please use this form to submit your questions or comments on how to make this article more useful to clinicians.use this form to submit personal or patient medical information or to report adverse drug events. You are encouraged to report adverse drug event information to the FDA.All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC. This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
Pediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Pediatric RSV Infection Pediatric Cold Pediatric Common Cold Measles Public Health Preparedness Emergency Preparedness Disaster Preparedness Bioterrorism Preparedness Disaster Planning Influenza Flu Immunizations Vaccination Outbreak Rubella German Measles Vaccine Otolaryngology ENT (Ears Nose Throat) Tr
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