The outbreak of measles in Texas was “completely avoidable,” says expert in infectious diseases

As a West Texas County, it has to do with one Measles outbreakExperts are reminiscent of American outbursts like this can be avoided Safe, effective and available vaccines.

Health officers confirmed on Tuesday that two dozen people in Gaines County, Texas, were identified with measles, which has one of the highest rates of vaccine exceptions throughout the state. All confirmed measles cases in the district include non -vaccinated residents, and nine patients were hospitalized.

“It is worrying because this was completely avoidable,” said Dr. Amesh Adalja, a doctor and senior citizen of infectious diseases at John’s Hopkins, to CBS News on Wednesday. “What we see is one of the places in Texas – it has the lowest vaccination rates, the highest school exemption rates of measles vaccinations – with a measles outbreak, including hospital stay of people who have been infected with measles.”

Adalja said this should serve as a memory that measles still pose a risk if not proper precautionary measures are taken.

“It is the most infectious infectious disease known to humans. And when we start seeing measles outbreak, this is a sign that the armor of vaccination and the fact that it is avoidable is a crack in the armor, who should understand.

Measuring vaccine

“If someone is fully vaccinated against measles and has a normal immune system, they don’t have to worry about measles,” said Adalja. “You will not be exposed to a risk for measles because the vaccine of the vaccine is very, very effective.”

A dose of the MMR vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella is 93% effective against measles, and the recommended two doses are 97% effective, as examinations show.

Studies have shown that the MMR vaccine, which was first introduced in 1971, can be administered safely and effectively in combination with other vaccines.

“It is the people who are not vaccinated, or maybe they are too young to be vaccinated, or the parents who have decided not to let them vaccinate,” said Adalja.

Risk of a vaccination rate decline

At least 10 states have seen nationwide Vaccination rates Autumn, endangers the country’s land Herdness From widespread outbreaks.

As in Texas, some schools in Florida – like a primary school in Broward County last year – have last year Seen measurements. According to the CDC, the vaccination rate for kindergarten teachers in Florida has fallen to 88.1%, the lowest in decades.

Dr. Jeffrey Goldhagen, pediatrician and professor at the University of Florida, Recently told CBS News“90% are far from good enough. This coverage rate enables the spread of Vaccined diseases. “

He said that if the vaccination rates could continue to decrease, the United States could “infect an increased number of children. This means epidemics of measles. We have a great risk of resuming the polio in this country”.

Measles symptoms

The initial symptoms of measles are similar to those of many more frequently viral diseases in the USA, including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Running nose
• Red eyes

A few days after the beginning of the symptoms, characteristic tiny white spots develop in the mouth, and a facial rash spreads out on the rest of the body.

While most of the symptoms of most people improve, 1 out of 5 people who have not been vaccinated are taken to the hospital, 1 of 1,000 will develop a swelling of the brain that can lead to brain damage and up to 3 out of 1,000 die.

Manuel Bojorquez contributed to this report.