Measles, which once almost removed from many regions of the world, have made confused returns in recent years. This situation is especially involved in the same place as Texas, which has already been reported this year.
The Texas Health and Welfare Service said on Tuesday that “561 cases have been confirmed. This is an increase of 20 after the April 11 update.” Since the outbreak, 58 people have been hospitalized so far. “Because of the high characteristics of the disease, there is a high possibility of additional cases in the onset area and the surrounding communities.”
The biggest question here is why measles are infectious. How does it spread? Who is in danger? And the most important thing is how to maintain safety?
Measles viruses remain in the air for up to 2 hours!
Measles are caused by measles virus, a member of the Paramyxovirus family. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, it is mainly transmitted through the respiratory liquid enemy. Unlike some diseases that require close contact, measles are surprisingly contagious. 90%of people who are not vaccinated exposed to the virus will be infected.
Especially tricky is that the virus can remain for up to two hours on the air or the surface. In other words, there is no need to directly contact the infected person to catch the virus. It can be enough to enter a recent room for people with measles.
The infectious period starts a few days before the appearance of a characteristic rash, and complicates the effort to include the virus. People with measles are contagious about 4 days ago about 4 days before the rash occurred. During this period, they can only show light symptoms such as heat, cough or conjunctivitis. Regular viral diseases are easy to make measles. As a result, people can unconsciously transmit viruses to others before realizing that they are infected.
Large meetings, schools, airports and other public places are especially hotspots for transmission during the onset. Measles do not need a crowd to spread widely, but the crowded environment amplifies the range. Children, pregnant women and immune systems under 5 years of age are more likely to have serious complications when they get sick. This includes death in pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis) and rare cases. Therefore, it is not about personal risks, but individuals without public officials are in danger of the vulnerable population around them.
More than 90% of individuals who have not been vaccinated can get measles.
The most effective way to protect yourself from measles is to be vaccinated. MMR vaccines protected from measles, fallchitis and rubella are usually administered in two doses during childhood. The dose is about 93% effective, and the dose increases the effect to about 97%. It is rare in communities with high vaccination range and can be included in general. However, if the vaccination speed falls below the threshold (usually about 95%) required for immunity, the virus finds a chance to spread. It is happening in some parts of the United States today, where vulnerabilities grow due to vaccine hesitation and wrong information.
How to maintain safety during outbreaks?
For adults who are not sure about the vaccination status, it is recommended to check the medical records or consult a medical service provider. Some adults who received vaccines in the 1960s may need boosters if their version is less effective. In addition, people who want to travel internationally should provide the latest information on MMR shots because measles are generally remaining in many countries. This is because international travel continues to be the main driver of imports.
Minimizing exposure is as important as vaccination. Avoid crowded areas, stay home if you are sick, and practice hygiene well reduces your chances of spreading the virus. If someone in the family contracts measles, it is necessary to be isolated to prevent further transmission. This includes maintaining school, workplace and public places four days after the rash appeared. The family should also monitor symptoms such as heat, runny nose, cough and red eyes. Especially if the immune system is not weak.
Nutrition and general health maintenance also serves as a support for how well the body responds to the infection. Healthy lifestyles do not prevent measles unless they are vaccinated, but maintain a strong immune system to help recover and reduce the risk of complications. In particular, vitamin A has shown to reduce the seriousness of measles in children. In some cases, doctors can administer high doses of vitamin A in children who contract viruses, especially areas where malnutrition is widely widespread.
Measles are more than childhood disease. It is a serious and infectious disease that can have complications that threaten life. After the infected person disappeared, it stayed on the air and surface for a long time, spreading through the respiratory liquid enemy. The best defense is still vaccination for personal protection and immunity of the community as a whole. During the onset, fast reactions, separation of infected individuals and strict hygiene practices are essential to inhibit the spread of viruses.
