The CDC proclaimed that measles were eradicated in the US around 15 years ago and most Americans have not personally had the disease. Measles is not just an uncomfortable rash. It can cause serious complications including encephalitis (1 in 1000 cases) and death. And it's resurfacing: California Measles Outbreak Shows How Quickly Disease Can Resurface in U.S.
The resurgence of this ultra contragious disease should have parents rethinking their decision not to vaccinate their children while prompting adults to consider whether they might need to get vaccinated or revaccinated.
Why Many Adults Should Get Their Measles Shot — Again
By Jenna Birch at Yahoo! Health
Anyone born before 1978, but especially those born prior to 1958, may want to get a vaccination.
Since unvaccinated children spreading measles seem to constitute most of the buzz on the recent outbreak of the virus, there’s a fact that’s getting lost in the shuffle: The majority of those infected are actually adults.
According to new numbers from California, of the 92 confirmed measles cases in the state, 62 percent are adults over age 20.
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Fact: If you were born before 1957, you’re probably not vaccinated.
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Fact: If you were inoculated between 1963 and 1967, you may have received an ineffective vaccine.
Questions on policy: Should the government force parents to vaccinate their kids? How should the risk of vaccines vs. no vaccines be allocated? Should parents who won't vaccinate their children pay a "no-vax" tax into a fund that covers the medical bills of those who get sick? Should medical insurance companies add a "no-vax" charge for their unvaccinated policy holders?
Read also: 4 Major Reasons Doctors Are So Scared of Measles.
p.s. Here are some good hygene practices: 7 Germaphobe Habits Everyone Should Follow
What some may call “overreacting” could actually just be “practicing good hygiene.” (Photo: CBS)
