Source: Fox News
Summary
Public health officials are warning of measles exposure as the disease spreads globally. At least 46 children have died in Bangladesh, with 684 confirmed cases since late January. Bangladesh has modified its vaccine schedule after finding a significant share of cases in infants under 9 months. The World Health Organization recommends two doses of the measles vaccine, given at 9 months and 15-18 months. In the US, 1,575 confirmed cases have been reported, with 16 new outbreaks this year.
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The advice sounds familiar.
Measles outbreaks are a recurring concern, with vaccination rates below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. The trend of lower “herd immunity” in communities is attributed to the spike in measles activity. The CDC reports that US national MMR coverage among kindergartners has decreased and is now below the 95% coverage target.
Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms start.
The guidance on vaccination schedules and herd immunity may need to be reevaluated as outbreaks continue to occur.
Perhaps it’s time to reconsider the notion that “one size fits all” when it comes to vaccination schedules and public health guidance.
Author: Evan Null
