As the numbers of measles cases rise, doctors are taking more action to get people vaccinated.
It’s a resurgence of a disease thought to be eliminated in the U.S., but 78 new measles cases in a week brings the total number of U.S. measles cases to 704 as of April 24th, according to the CDC.
This increase has many asking: how does that happen?
Researcher and professor, Dr. Silvia Munoz-Price explains how measles came back after it was thought to be extinct in the U.S.
“There was importation of measles, but it wouldn’t have occurred if people had been vaccinated,” Dr. Munoz-Price said.
That’s why doctors at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin like Dr. Lyn Ranta are pushing for more parents to get their children vaccinated.
“Measles is probably one of the most contagious germs on earth,” Dr. Ranta said.
Doctors agree that’s the simple solution for healthy people
“If you’re vaccinated you’re most likely not going to get measles,” Dr. Munoz-Price said.
So why do doctors think healthy people aren’t vaccinated?
“Misinformation and concerns that people have about vaccines and they don’t really understand how safe and effective they really are,” Dr. Ranta said.
Doctors say the disease is spreading. If you’re unvaccinated, you’re at risk not only of catching the measles, but passing it along to others who can’t get the vaccination.
As of now there are no cases of measles in Wisconsin, but doctors say there’s no guarantee it won’t spread.
If you have questions about if you were vaccinated, you can get a blood test to check or even a booster shot to ensure you’re vaccinated.
