With the school year starting and the fall season in full swing, it’s prime time for illnesses to spread through communities. Just recently, Tennessee reported its first measles case in over four years, involving an individual who had traveled internationally and spent time in Kentucky while infectious. Although the infected individual has fully recovered and no additional cases have been reported in the state, this serves as a reminder of how quickly and dangerously these diseases can spread.
According to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. has recorded 262 measles cases this year, with 13 outbreaks reported. Of these cases, 70% are associated with ongoing outbreaks, which can have a deadly impact if you’re not vaccinated.
Measles by the Numbers
So far in 2024, cases have been reported in 32 jurisdictions nationwide. What’s concerning is that around 40% of reported cases are in children aged five and under, the age group most vulnerable to severe complications from the disease. The CDC also reports that 88% of all measles cases involve individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unclear. Only 4% of patients who contracted measles had been fully vaccinated with the two recommended doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Hospitalizations among those infected were of the highest concern from the CDC. It reports that more than 42% of patients required hospitalization, either for isolation or for managing complications related to measles, such as pneumonia or encephalitis.
The Importance of Vaccination
It’s not a comeback you want to see, and one that the World Health Organization warns we could experience more often. Between 2021 and 2022, measles cases were estimated to increase by 18%. Also, between 2021 and 2022, the number of countries experiencing measles outbreaks increased from 22 to 37, and deaths from measles increased by 43%. However, between 2021 and 2022, an estimated 57 million measles deaths were estimated to have been prevented by measles vaccination.
These numbers are proof that vaccines work to fight against this disease. While the measles vaccine is highly effective, it does require two doses to provide full protection. Individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose immunity has waned are at a much higher risk of contracting and spreading the virus.
Parents should ensure their children receive the MMR vaccine on schedule, and those traveling internationally should verify that their vaccinations are current. As international travel increases with the upcoming holidays, maintaining high vaccination rates will be crucial in preventing the spread of measles worldwide.
What Happens If You’re Not Vaccinated
If you contract the virus, the outcome can be extremely dangerous. Measles is a highly contagious disease that presents symptoms 7 to 14 days after infection, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically appears 3 to 5 days later, spreading from the face to the rest of the body, often accompanied by a high fever. Complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, can include ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, and in some cases, death. Severe complications can lead to hospitalization, and long-term risks include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal condition.
A National Health Priority
With a recent increase in measles cases across the U.S., public health authorities are monitoring cases closely, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. The CDC and state health departments are working to contain outbreaks and prevent further spread, but the risk remains in communities where vaccination coverage is low. Tennessee’s recent case highlights the interconnected nature of public health — what happens abroad can quickly impact local communities.
If you have questions about measles or want to learn more about vaccines, it’s best to contact your health provider. They can provide you with the information you need to help ensure you and your family are protected.
Sources:
Tennessee Department of Health
CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks
