FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Measles is making a comeback in parts of the U.S., raising alarms for health experts in Alaska. The current outbreak in West Texas has everyone concerned.
Measles is highly contagious. According to Colette Textor, a public health nurse at the Fairbanks Public Health Center, it spreads easier than COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared measles eliminated in the U.S. back in 2000. But now, the return of the virus poses dangers, especially for certain groups.
Textor noted that young children under five, pregnant women, and adults over 20 are at the highest risk. The virus travels through tiny droplets in the air and can stay on surfaces for up to two hours. While it mainly affects the lungs, it also causes a rash. Other symptoms include coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, pink eye, and small white spots inside the mouth.
The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine, which also protects against mumps and rubella. Those who are vaccinated usually experience only mild symptoms if they do get infected. In contrast, unvaccinated individuals, along with vulnerable populations, face a greater chance of severe illness.
The MMR vaccine is generally given to infants at 12 to 15 months and again between four and six years. Textor shared that the first dose offers about 93% effectiveness, and the second boosts that to around 97%.
It’s worth noting that people can receive the MMR vaccine at any age, according to Erin Worley, another public health nurse at the Fairbanks Public Health Center. The vaccine uses a weakened form of the virus, helping the body build immunity without the risk of full-blown illness.
The Alaska Department of Health reports that in the second quarter of 2024, 79% of eligible youth received their first dose of the vaccine, but that number dropped to 64% for kids entering kindergarten.
Worley expressed concerns about measles, stating there’s no specific treatment. Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling, deafness, or even death in some cases. While some choose not to vaccinate, Worley reassured that the MMR vaccine has a long history of safety. She encourages people to speak with their healthcare provider and stay informed about local cases.
Earlier this year, Alaska reported one case of measles linked to a flight from Seattle. Keeping vaccinations up to date is crucial to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable individuals in the community.
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Source linkMeasles,MMR vaccine,Erin Worley,Fairbanks Public Health Center,Colette Textor
