Louisa, Ky — Measles, a highly contagious virus, is making a comeback. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 102 cases of the measles in 14 states were diagnosed in January. The majority of these cases have been linked to a measles outbreak at an amusement park in California.
Although measles were eliminated in the United States in 2000, the CDC said that in 2014 the US experienced the greatest number of measles cases since being declared eliminated, with 644 cases in 27 states. The majority of these cases were in people who were not vaccinated.
“Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of measles,” said Dr. Brandon Webb, an internal medicine physician. “CDC research shows that one dose of the measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles if someone is exposed to the virus, and two doses are about 97% effective.”
Measles is still common in other countries and travelers with measles continue to bring the virus in the US. An outbreak can occur with the disease reaches a community where groups of people are unvaccinated. To prevent the spread of measles, the CDC recommends that every child receive a first dose of the measles vaccination (MMR) after reaching the age of 12 months. A second dose is recommended for 4- to 6- year-olds. Vaccination is also recommended for adults who do not have evidence of immunity to the measles.
Three Rivers Medical Center has been awarded Joint Commission Top Performer distinction four years in a row. The Emergency Department is an Accredited Chest Pain Center. TRMC is a 90-bed, acute care facility. It is accredited by The Joint Commission. With over 80 medical staff members, TRMC offers cardiology, general surgery, nephrology, orthopedics, urology, gynecology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, gastroenterology, podiatry, 24-hour emergency care, diagnostic radiation, rehabilitative services and mental health.
