{"id":405214,"date":"2024-02-12T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-12T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=405214"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-29T14:00:00","slug":"Massachusetts-doctors-push-for-measles-vaccination-after-cases-reported-in-many-states","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/Massachusetts-doctors-push-for-measles-vaccination-after-cases-reported-in-many-states\/","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts doctors push for measles vaccination after cases reported in many states"},"content":{"rendered":"

Local doctors are urging families to get vaccinated against measles following a troubling rise in measles cases across several U.S. states and Europe.<\/p>\n

The CDC over the last couple of months has been notified of 23 confirmed U.S. cases of measles. That includes two outbreaks with more than five cases each, and seven direct importations of measles by international travelers.<\/p>\n

In Philadelphia, the city\u2019s health department reported an outbreak of nine measles cases.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Massachusetts Medical Society is concerned about reported cases of measles in Europe and at least six states and potential exposures at two large United States airports and wishes to remind all patients in the Commonwealth to do their part to protect themselves and their communities from contracting and spreading measles,\u201d said Massachusetts Medical Society President Barbara Spivak.<\/p>\n

Most of the 23 confirmed U.S. cases were among children and adolescents who had not received a measles-containing vaccine, even if age eligible.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of a successful vaccination campaign that effectively eliminated measles in the United States in 2000, many people may not be aware that measles, which is transmitted via exposure to contact with airborne droplets, is highly contagious and can lead to serious and life-threatening complications,\u201d Spivak said. \u201cChildren and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Measles cases often originate from unvaccinated or undervaccinated U.S. residents who travel internationally and then transmit the disease to people who are not vaccinated against measles.<\/p>\n

The recent jump of measles importations from abroad reflects the rise in global measles cases and a growing threat from the disease.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a community, our best defense against the spread of measles remains ensuring that children receive their measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations following Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines \u2014 two doses, one at 12 to 15 months, the next between the ages of 4 and 6,\u201d Spivak said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe vaccine is safe and highly effective and generally induces lifelong immunity,\u201d the Massachusetts Medical Society president added. \u201cIf you, or a child for whom you care have not been fully vaccinated or you have questions about the vaccine, we urge you to speak to a trusted health care provider as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Vaccines including varicella, hepatitus A, prevnar and measles, mumps and rubella at Lurie Children\u2019s Primary Care Town & Country Pediatrics on Oct. 18, 2022, in Chicago. U.S. doctors in early 2024 are urging families to get vaccinated against measles following a troubling rise in measles cases across several U.S. states and Europe.<\/p>\n

-Erin Hooley
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