Recently, Davie County Schools faculty were told they would need to provide their measles vaccination records. For many staff, this announcement came as a shock. They were told this measure was necessary to help minimize the spread and impact of an outbreak—an outbreak of a disease that had previously been declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.
“Davie County Schools was trying to be very proactive and be prepared,” Katie McDaniel, Davie High nurse, said. “It would just be a way to prepare and be ready just in case.”
While no cases have yet been documented in Davie County, and the South Carolina outbreak tied to cases in North Carolina has ended, measles outbreaks are continuing to pop up in states with low vaccination rates. As of April 23, there have been 1,792 cases reported in the United States. Current large outbreaks are brewing in Texas, Florida, and Utah.
At this point, it appears unlikely that this current outbreak will morph into anything resembling the COVID-19 pandemic, but as cases continue to appear, it raises an important question: why have measles resurfaced at all?
Why is measles back?
The measles virus is a highly contagious infection, spread from person to person via respiratory droplets in the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The virus can contaminate surfaces or settle in the air. The main cause of this new surge is an increase in global travel, coupled with the decline in vaccination rates since the COVID-19 pandemic.
As people from other countries come to the United States, they may bring measles with them. On the other hand, as people from the U.S. travel abroad and return home, they could carry the disease back. This cycle of travel, combined with the drop in vaccine rates, makes the spread of the virus highly likely.
“It is a highly contagious virus, and so any region is potential for it,” McDaniel said. “Because it can spread so quickly, and especially we are, you know, we are just creatures of travel. So because we’re traveling from state to state, it’s just an easy, easy way to spread a virus like that.”
The lowered number of vaccinations is due to vaccine hesitancy. There has been an increase in skepticism among families and communities about the benefits of vaccines. This is partly because of misinformation about vaccines through social media and unverified news sources.
“I just always encourage everyone to speak with their physician,” McDaniel said. “Instead of relying on Google information or information on TikTok or Facebook, but to really speak with their doctor and their medical advisor, because they are truly getting, you know, solid facts and evidence, you know, to help guide you in those decisions.”
There have been numerous myths about vaccines that have continued to circulate in the media. One of the most prominent of these is a study originally published in “The Lancet” in 1998 that falsely linked vaccines to autism. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., current Secretary of Health and Human Services, has continued to spread this claim since his appointment to this position. As misinformation like this occurs, it leads families to distrust institutions and doubt the methods that were put in place to cure sicknesses like measles.
The recent defunding of health programs has not improved the vaccination rate either. During his second term, President Trump withdrew the country from the World Health Organization (WHO) and cut funding for the National Institutes of Health and the United States Agency for International Development. The defunding of these programs has made it difficult for low-income families to have access to quality healthcare. Further contributing to the risk of a measles outbreak.
Vaccine hesitancy can be traced back to religion as well. In many religions, people choose to follow or adhere to specific commandments or principles. Some believe that certain religious texts, such as the Bible (Christianity) or the Quran (Islam), may convey messages that can be misinterpreted and conflict with healthcare. This has happened with vaccines. As measles outbreaks continue to be reported, local guidelines are being put in place to reduce the spread and severity of cases. Some families are refusing to follow these guidelines as they go against their religion. This can result in lower vaccination rates among children of these families who are more susceptible to the disease.
The only known prevention for measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, with one dose being 93% effective and two doses being 97% effective. Without the support of vaccines, our country could see a rapid reversal in the efforts made to eliminate measles.
What can be done about this outbreak?
The most effective method for preventing measles is vaccination. It is crucial for individuals within the community and family to be immunized. For those who cannot receive vaccinations, pregnant individuals, infants, or the immunocompromised, protection can be provided by ensuring that those around them are vaccinated. Additionally, taking travel precautions is essential as well. Understanding the health landscape of the travel destination, including prevalent diseases and local regulations, can be vital in controlling the spread of viruses. Making sure to get vaccinated prior to travel will prevent contamination and transmission of the disease.
Beyond vaccinations, preventative actions can still be taken to further establish protection. Wearing high-quality masks can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing. Practicing good hygiene can significantly lower the likelihood of contracting the disease. Finally, it is important to disinfect surfaces, as measles can survive in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.
During this time and moving forward, it is important to stay up to date on vaccines for deadly viruses like the measles. As measures are put in place to keep people safe, making sure to follow them and continuing to take precautions can lessen the spread of these viruses and, furthermore, improve the health of our world and nation.
