ROME, Ga., April 29, 2024 – The rising numbers of measles cases in the U.S. have both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Atrium Health Floyd pediatrician Dr. Tyler Barnes concerned.
From January 1 to March 14, 2024, there were 58 confirmed cases if of the measles in the U.S., compared to 58 for all of 2023. This prompted the CDC to warn U.S. citizens traveling abroad to stay current on their MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccines. Fifty-four of the measles cases reported by mid-March were linked to international travel and included children older than 1 who had not received the vaccine.
“I have said this for a while, but as more people refuse vaccinations, our herd immunity will continue to decrease, putting a lot of people at risk," said Dr. Barnes. “Some patients may only develop a rash and fever and improve, but some kids can get very sick and even die from this illness."
Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective against the illness, according to the CDC, and one dose is 93% effective. When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, most people are protected through what is known as herd or community immunity.
But the CDC is reporting that the vaccination rate for U.S. kindergartners dipped from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 93.1% during the 2022–2023 school year.
“I urge all of my parents to get their kids vaccinated, but I also respect the decision of parents if they decide to keep their children unvaccinated," Dr. Barnes said.
He pointed out that unvaccinated people put at risk those who are immunocompromised or can't take the vaccine because of medical reasons.
“That is another reason the vaccination is important," Dr. Barnes added.
Measles typically begins with a fever, cough and/or runny nose. The rash that many people associate with the measles may not show up for several days after the first symptoms.
To make an appointment to get the measles and other vaccines, contact Atrium Health Floyd Pediatrics, 304 Shorter Ave., at 706-236-4880.