Texas is currently experiencing an outbreak of measles, with at least 58 cases and more expected.
In 2000, measles was from the U.S. population, largely due to a highly effective vaccination program that began in the 1960s after a vaccine was developed. However, measles outbreaks have throughout the U.S. amid declining vaccination rates.
, an infectious disease expert with , is available to comment on the infection risk of measles, why outbreaks may be occurring and how people can protect themselves against the disease.
“Because measles is highly contagious, eliminating disease transmission requires 95% of the population to be vaccinated, and many communities have, unfortunately, fallen below this threshold in recent years.
“The best way to protect against measles is to vaccinate your children and yourself if you have not been previously vaccinated, and to encourage friends and neighbors to do the same. Your risk of exposure largely depends on the vaccination rate in your community.”
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