Posted on January 28, 2015 at 12:40 AM
Is there a Measles Epidemic?
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), from January 1 to January 23, 2015, 68 people from 11 states were reported to have measles.
Most of these cases are part of a large, ongoing outbreak linked to an amusement park in California.
On January 23, 2015, CDC issued a Health Advisory to notify public health departments and healthcare facilities about this multi-state outbreak and to provide guidance for healthcare providers nationwide.
The United States experienced a record number of measles cases during 2014, with 644 cases from 27 states reported to CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD).
This is the greatest number of cases since measles elimination(http://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/faqs.html#measles-elimination) was documented in the U.S. in 2000.
So why is this outbreak happening?
The majority of the people who got measles are unvaccinated.
Measles is still common in many parts of the world including some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa.
Travelers with measles continue to bring the disease into the U.S.
Measles can spread when it reaches a community in the U.S. where groups of people are unvaccinated.
But Measles isn't the only problem growing right now.
The Influenza Virus is making itself know.
As of late December, all national key flu indicators are elevated and about half
of the country is experiencing high flu activity. Flu activity is expected to continue into the coming weeks, with increases occurring especially in those states that have not yet had significant activity.
Influenza A (H3N2) viruses are most common so far. H3N2-predominant seasons have been associated with more severe illness and mortality, especially in older people and young children, relative to seasons during which H1N1 or B viruses predominated.
There are early indications that this season may be severe, especially for people aged 65 years and older and young children.
Again, the CDC continues to recommend that unvaccinated people get vaccinated.
While some of the viruses spreading this season are different from those
in the vaccine, vaccination can still provide protection and might reduce
severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death.
Learn how to protect yourself and your friends, family and co-workers.
Take the Blood Borne Pathogen class and you could Help Save a Life.