A surge in measles cases and a rise in pertussis cases are alarming public health experts, who warn that vaccine-resistant populations could lead to a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The United States is grappling with a surge in measles cases, with over 7,599 reported cases this year, up from 3,473 cases at the same time last year. This trend is not unique to measles; pertussis, or whooping cough, is also on the rise. The ‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’ reports that there have been at least 35,435 cases of whooping cough in 2024, compared to 7,063 in 2023.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus.
It spreads through respiratory droplets, typically affecting children under the age of five.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were over 200,000 reported measles deaths in 2020.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, with two doses of the MMR vaccine recommended for children.
Vaccination rates are declining, particularly among parents who are opting out of vaccinating their children for religious and philosophical reasons. This has led to a decrease in childhood vaccination rates, which have plummeted from nearly 95 percent in 2019 to below 93 percent in the 2023-2024 school year. The decline in vaccination rates is also affecting adults, who are less likely to be up-to-date on their recommended vaccinations.
Vaccination is the best way to protect against infection and severe disease. However, when vaccination rates fall, other diseases can follow. Pertussis and measles are just two examples of vaccine-preventable illnesses that can spread quickly in populations with low vaccination rates. These diseases can lead to serious complications, including ‘pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death’.
Vaccination is a crucial public health measure that prevents the spread of infectious diseases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination has saved millions of lives since its inception.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccinations from birth to adulthood, protecting against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and influenza.
In 2019, global vaccine coverage reached an all-time high, with 85% of the world's children receiving at least one dose of a vaccine.
High rates of vaccination within communities are needed to make sure everyone is protected from infection and severe disease. Some people may not be able to take vaccines for medical reasons or have weakened immune systems, so they rely on the collective immunity of others to avoid getting infected. For measles, 95 percent vaccine coverage is needed for community protection, while for pertussis, it’s 92-94 percent.
There are several other vaccine-preventable diseases that could rebound if vaccination rates continue to decline. These include chickenpox, diphtheria and tetanus, pneumococcal disease, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease, and polio. The ‘US’ eradicated polio in 1979, but the rest of the world is on the brink of doing so. However, funding cuts by the ‘Trump administration’ could put this status at risk.
Public health experts are warning that childhood vaccination rates could dip further under the current administration. It’s essential to emphasize the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, particularly for diseases like measles and pertussis. By promoting evidence-based information and encouraging parents to vaccinate their children, we can prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and protect public health.
Public health refers to the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical and mental well-being through organized efforts.
It involves addressing social determinants of health, such as education, income, and living conditions, to reduce health inequities.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of premature deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, which can be prevented or managed through healthy lifestyle choices and access to healthcare services.
