The rise of measles outbreaks in the United States can be traced back to the anti-vax movement, which has gained traction in recent years. Outbreaks have occurred in various states, prompting officials to declare emergencies to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus.
One such incident involved a person who attended a solar eclipse event at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and was later found to be infectious with measles. Health officials warned that anyone who may have been exposed to the virus during the event could develop symptoms within a specific time frame.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that nearly a third of measles cases since 2020 occurred in the past three months, indicating a resurgence of the disease. Even a single case is considered an outbreak due to the ease with which 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. Health officials advise anyone suspected of having measles to contact their healthcare provider immediately and inform them of their potential infection to prevent further spread.
Individuals who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine are at the highest risk of infection. A recent case in Indiana highlighted the importance of vaccination, as a Lake County resident became the state’s first case of measles in years. It is crucial for individuals to get vaccinated to prevent the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles.