Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children.
Vaccination, especially the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, is crucial for preventing measles outbreaks and protecting public health.
Despite being largely eradicated in the US, measles outbreaks have occurred in recent years due to declining vaccination rates and international travel.
Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash. Complications can range from ear infections to pneumonia and even encephalitis.
Maintaining high vaccination rates within communities is essential for achieving herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants and individuals with certain medical conditions.
Public health agencies actively monitor measles cases, conduct contact tracing, and promote vaccination campaigns to contain outbreaks and prevent further spread.
Misinformation, particularly spread through social media, contributes to vaccine hesitancy, posing challenges to efforts aimed at eradicating measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
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