California suffers Measles

A baby with measles.

Just as the flu season comes to an end in California, after 278 deaths, another virus has arrived -- measles. Measles is an infection within the respiratory system that can be deadly. Fifteen California residents have come down with measles this year, nearly half had not had the childhood vaccination. The California Department of Public Health reported that six counties have been exposed to this virus. None of fifteen cases have been fatal, but authorities are concerned that many people have been exposed. Dr. Chavez says to every measles case they have to track dozens of people to make sure they do not have the disease as well. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says measles was eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning the disease was not circulating year round. However, the virus can be contacted when traveling out of the country and when coming in contact with travels out of the states who may be a carrier. Many of the measles cases this year have traveled out of the states or have come in contact with a traveler who was a carrier. Many of the cases were not vaccinated. parents often avoid getting the vaccination because of a myth that they are dangerous. For this reason the virus keeps making a comeback. Getting this vaccination is highly encouraged. People should realize that getting a vaccination is probably safer than getting the virus.
- Eryn Brown
- February 21, 2014
- http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-measles-20140222,0,1197753.story#axzz2u6trvhYv