Measles: The Return of a Deadly Disease – Protect Your Child
Short-term and Long-term Severity
Measles is extremely contagious—one unvaccinated child can infect up to 90% of those around them. The disease causes high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. But the real danger lies in its complications: severe pneumonia, brain swelling, lifelong disabilities, and death. Some children hospitalized with measles suffer brain damage, blindness, or develop long-term disabilities. In rare cases, measles can be fatal. With vaccination, this is preventable-there is no reason for any parent to not vaccinate their child. There is no going back and when exposed, there is a high likelihood of that child living with permanent disability, from brain injury to blindness.
Measles is extremely contagious—one unvaccinated child can infect up to 90% of those around them. The disease causes high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. But the real danger lies in its complications: severe pneumonia, brain swelling, lifelong disabilities, and death. Some children hospitalized with measles suffer brain damage, blindness, or develop long-term disabilities. In rare cases, measles can be fatal. With vaccination, this is preventable-there is no reason for any parent to not vaccinate their child. There is no going back and when exposed, there is a high likelihood of that child living with permanent disability, from brain injury to blindness.
Vaccine Effectiveness and Success
The MMR vaccine has been a proven, safe, and highly effective tool—one dose provides lifelong immunity. Since widespread vaccination programs, measles cases have plummeted globally and locally. In the U.S., vaccination coverage above 90% has kept outbreaks rare.
The MMR vaccine has been a proven, safe, and highly effective tool—one dose provides lifelong immunity. Since widespread vaccination programs, measles cases have plummeted globally and locally. In the U.S., vaccination coverage above 90% has kept outbreaks rare.
Recent Resurgence and Hesitancy
However, recent drops in vaccination rates—partly fueled by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy—have led to a resurgence of measles outbreaks across the country. Since 2018, the CDC has documented hundreds of cases annually, primarily in communities with low vaccination coverage. These outbreaks threaten to undo decades of progress.
However, recent drops in vaccination rates—partly fueled by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy—have led to a resurgence of measles outbreaks across the country. Since 2018, the CDC has documented hundreds of cases annually, primarily in communities with low vaccination coverage. These outbreaks threaten to undo decades of progress.
Why Parents Must Act
Vaccinating your child against measles is crucial. The MMR vaccine is safe and protects against a disease that can cause severe illness, permanent disabilities, and death. Protect your child and community by ensuring they are fully vaccinated according to recommended schedules.
Vaccinating your child against measles is crucial. The MMR vaccine is safe and protects against a disease that can cause severe illness, permanent disabilities, and death. Protect your child and community by ensuring they are fully vaccinated according to recommended schedules.
