Shannon Koehle: In Mobile Society, Measles Is "Just a Plane Ride Away"

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The Center for Disease control has reported a record high measles outbreak in over a decade.

Infecting 127 U.S. citizens, compared to just 43 cases in 2007, rates have been unpredictably high so far this year.

Caused by a decrease in vaccinated persons and international travel, the infectious measles have spread to 15 states and Washington D.C.

These include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington.

Spread by droplets of nasal and throat secretions by infected persons and sometimes by airborne pathogens, the CDC spokesperson Curtis Allen says the measles are highly contagious.

Urging citizens to receive the measles vaccination, Curtis says, if someone without the vaccine comes in contact with someone who has measles, it is “highly likely” they too will contract the disease.

“The vaccine is very safe and very effective. It is the best way to protect oneself from the measles,” he says.

Similarly, Arizona state epidemiologist for the Department of Public Health Ken Kompatsu says, “Get up to date on immunizations.”

Recognizing some people avoid measles vaccinations fearing a link between autism Kompatsu reminds, there is no scientific proof. “We don’t believe this is a reason not to get vaccinated.”

With not just one, but 17 mini, unrelated outbreaks in the U.S., Allen says international travel is the cause of many measles cases.

As he says, “In our mobile society, measles is just a plane ride away.”

With an estimated 22 cases in Arizona and additional cases in San Diego linked to a traveler from Switzerland, reports Kompatsu, outbreaks are also occurring throughout Europe, Japan, Israel, and more, as the numbers infected continue to rise.

As an article in the London “Evening Standard” reads, “London is on the brink of a measles epidemic that could infect tens of thousands of people, a public health chief claims.”

Similarly, the Australian federal health department says the country has been infected with 58 cases compared to just seven this time last year, reports “The Sydney Morning Herald.”

Another cause of the U.S. measles outbreak, says Allen, is the assumption that the disease is not around.

However, he says, each year more than 400,000 children globally die from the disease.

As the CDC reports, “The World Health Organization estimated more than 20 million individuals are affected each year by measles worldwide.”

For this reason high vaccination rates, which are 95% affective against all three strain of measles, are necessary for prevention.

Without the vaccine, rates would be similar to those before its existence, with approximately 450,000 cases and 450 U.S. deaths each year.

Signs of the measles include a high fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes and can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, even death.

If measles are suspected, contact a health professional immediately.