CABELL COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Measles, a disease that was nearly eradicated by 2000, has resurfaced as a significant threat to communities nationwide. West Virginia has now confirmed a case of measles, sparking concern among health officials.
Valley Health's Chief Medical Officer, Mathew Weimer, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “It is something we need to be concerned about. While the number of cases isn’t as high as influenza or COVID-19, the resurgence of a disease that was once almost eliminated by vaccination is troubling. We have a highly effective vaccine that can completely prevent measles.”
Weimer noted that many recent measles cases in the U.S. have been imported by travelers from other countries. The increasing trend of parents choosing not to vaccinate their children has contributed to this resurgence.
“Historically, measles vaccination rates in the U.S. have been high. However, in recent years, we’ve seen outbreaks linked to lower childhood vaccination rates,” he explained.
A major concern among medical professionals is the highly contagious nature of measles. Weimer explained, “Measles is perhaps the most infectious virus known to us. It spreads through respiratory droplets, and individuals in the vicinity of an infected person can be infected even hours after the infected person has left the area.”
According to the CDC, the measles vaccine is the most effective preventive measure. Without this protection, it becomes challenging to detect and prevent the spread of the disease.
“It’s concerning because an individual could return from a trip abroad, having been exposed to measles without realizing it, and spread the virus before showing symptoms,” Weimer warned. “The incubation period for measles is typically 1-2 weeks.”
This situation underscores the importance of routine childhood vaccinations, which should begin at age 1 and include a booster shot at ages 4 to 6.
If you are unsure about your measles vaccination status, consider getting a booster shot. This is particularly crucial before traveling abroad or starting college.