Dear Dr. Deena,
What are some of the symptoms of measles?
Who is at risk?
Rich
This is a great question, Rich. The USA went from 0 cases of measles reported in 2000, to more than 30 cases reported in just one month alone this year (reference the measles outbreak in Disneyand)! The CDC reports that 2014 had the most number of measles cases reported since 2000. Check out the CDC stats below:
Measles is caused by a virus, that is transmitted by means of respiratory droplets and contact with secretions (saliva and mucous) of an infected person.
Symptoms of measles typically develop within 1-2 weeks after exposure. These symptoms are nonspecific and include:
The rash is not itchy, and typically looks like this:
There are a few severe complications of measles which can be deadly such as pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Before the vaccination was available in 1963, nearly 4 million people developed measles each year.
Of those people, 400 to 500 died, 48,000 were hospitalized, and 4,000 developed encephalitis from measles. (Source: CDC)
Those who have never received the vaccination are at highest risk for developing measles. This is why you should protect yourself and your child!
There is a concern that the measles vaccination is linked to Autism, but no studies have shown that the vaccine causes Autism. If all children were vaccinated against measles, wouldn't you expect most people to develop Autism?
It is true that the prevalence of Autism has increased through the years, but this is due to a better understanding of the Autism and a better ability to recognize signs and symptoms which should prompt medical attention right away. This trend is similar to how certain cancer and other diseases have increased in prevalence through the years...as we learn and understand disease processes more, we screen more and diagnose more cases.
Hope this information was helpful! As always, leave comments below and email all questions to DoctorDeenaMD@gmail.com.
**PLEASE REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND/OR BEFORE STARTING OR STOPPING ANY TREATMENT OR ACTING UPON INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR OWN PHYSICIAN OR HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER**
What are some of the symptoms of measles?
Who is at risk?
Rich
This is a great question, Rich. The USA went from 0 cases of measles reported in 2000, to more than 30 cases reported in just one month alone this year (reference the measles outbreak in Disneyand)! The CDC reports that 2014 had the most number of measles cases reported since 2000. Check out the CDC stats below:
Symptoms of measles typically develop within 1-2 weeks after exposure. These symptoms are nonspecific and include:
- fever
- cough
- runny nose
- red, irritated eyes
The rash is not itchy, and typically looks like this:
There are a few severe complications of measles which can be deadly such as pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Before the vaccination was available in 1963, nearly 4 million people developed measles each year.
Of those people, 400 to 500 died, 48,000 were hospitalized, and 4,000 developed encephalitis from measles. (Source: CDC)
Those who have never received the vaccination are at highest risk for developing measles. This is why you should protect yourself and your child!
There is a concern that the measles vaccination is linked to Autism, but no studies have shown that the vaccine causes Autism. If all children were vaccinated against measles, wouldn't you expect most people to develop Autism?
It is true that the prevalence of Autism has increased through the years, but this is due to a better understanding of the Autism and a better ability to recognize signs and symptoms which should prompt medical attention right away. This trend is similar to how certain cancer and other diseases have increased in prevalence through the years...as we learn and understand disease processes more, we screen more and diagnose more cases.
Hope this information was helpful! As always, leave comments below and email all questions to DoctorDeenaMD@gmail.com.
**PLEASE REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND/OR BEFORE STARTING OR STOPPING ANY TREATMENT OR ACTING UPON INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR OWN PHYSICIAN OR HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER**
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