The rise in measles outbreaks in the United States can be linked back to the growing anti-vax movement. This trend has caused the highly contagious virus to spread across various states, prompting officials to declare emergencies.
One such incident occurred at a solar eclipse event held at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, where an individual was found to be infectious with measles. Health officials urged attendees of the event to seek medical attention immediately and monitor for any symptoms within a specific time frame.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one-third of measles cases since 2020 have taken place within the past three months, indicating a resurgence of this preventable disease. A single case is considered an outbreak due to how easily measles can spread among those who are not vaccinated.
Symptoms of measles include a rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and tiny white spots in the mouth. Anyone suspected of having measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately and inform them of their potential infection to prevent further spread.
Those who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine are at risk of infection. A recent case in Indiana demonstrated how crucial vaccination is in preventing resurgences of preventable diseases like measles. It is important for individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves from these dangerous illnesses.