The spread of measles has not made its way to Tennessee yet; however, with this highly contagious disease, the state could soon see cases appearing, like in Texas and New Mexico.
During times like these, parents need to recognize symptoms and take steps to prevent their children from becoming infected. However, due to a flurry of misinformation that is easily accessible online, a troubling trend is currently emerging. So-called ‘measles parties’ are intentionally exposing children to the virus in hopes of achieving natural immunity. What people fail to understand is that this decision puts their children and others at risk.
Measles Cases
Measles was once considered eliminated in the United States. Now, the country is starting to see outbreaks in several different states. There are currently over 200 cases, with the majority found in individuals aged 5 to 19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also shows that most of these cases are in unvaccinated individuals. This trend in declining vaccination rates has been fueled by the anti-vaccine movement seen online, which has allowed the virus to return, spreading rapidly through communities with low immunization coverage.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to us. According to Johns Hopkins University, nine out of ten unvaccinated people who come into contact with an infected individual will catch the virus. It can linger in the air for up to two hours, infecting anyone who passes through the same space. Unlike COVID-19, which has a lower transmission rate, measles spreads with devastating efficiency.
The Concerning Risk of Rising Measles Parties
Those in support of measles parties have argued online that exposing children to the virus will provide them with lifelong immunity, similar to old-fashioned chickenpox parties. What’s not taken into consideration are the severe complications that measles can cause.
While some children recover without issues, many don’t. In the U.S., there have so far been two measles-related deaths this year, something that hasn’t been seen since 2015. When infected with the disease, measles can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), permanent disabilities, and death. One in every 1,000 children who contract measles will develop encephalitis, potentially resulting in lifelong neurological impairment. Some may suffer from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal brain disease that appears years after measles infection.
There is no way to predict which children will develop complications. Some might appear healthy but suffer catastrophic consequences. Exposing children to measles is not the solution to fighting the disease; it poses a huge risk to lives.
How Vaccination Works to Protect Everyone
Understandably, people who want to partake in a measles party are looking to develop herd immunity. But it’s not measles parties you need to attend; instead, you should book an appointment for vaccination. When enough people in a community are vaccinated, the spread of a contagious disease is minimized. The measles vaccine, part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot, has been proven to be highly effective against the disease. Receiving two doses provides about 97% immunity.
Before vaccines, measles was responsible for taking hundreds of American lives annually. Now, thanks to widespread immunization, those deaths are rare. However, due to a recent drop in vaccination rates, this once-strong shield has been weakened, allowing outbreaks to take place in areas like Texas and New Mexico.
Those who are unvaccinated not only risk themselves but also pose a danger to babies too young for vaccination, immunocompromised individuals, and elderly people with weakened immune responses.
Vaccination Is the Best and Safest Option
The measles vaccine is not experimental or unproven; it has been rigorously tested and safely used for decades. The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose at 12–15 months and a second between ages 4–6. For those who missed vaccination earlier, it is never too late to receive a dose.
The rise of measles in the U.S. is entirely preventable. The best way to stop the spread, prevent illness, and protect lives is to ensure widespread vaccination. Misinformation and fear should not dictate healthcare decisions when it’s clear that the measles vaccine saves lives.
In an age when people are inundated with information online, it’s hard to determine what’s real or fake. It’s important for parents to reject the dangerous myth of measles parties and instead prioritize real protection for their children. If you are unsure whether the medical news you hear online is true or have questions about vaccination and herd immunity, the best course of action is to discuss them with a healthcare provider.
Taking steps to understand how diseases work and how to prevent them are the first steps in ensuring everyone is protected and that we don’t see continued outbreaks of this highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease.
Sources:
CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks
John Hopkins Medicine: Measles: What You Should Know
Texas Health and Human Services: Measles FAQ: Should I have a “measles party”
