Chasing Life Measles is Back. How Worried Should We Be?
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Feb 28, 2025 The resurgence of measles has caught attention, particularly in a low-vaccination community in West Texas. With measles being extremely contagious, the podcast delves into the outbreak's origins and health risks, especially for unvaccinated children. It also highlights the importance of community engagement and effective communication about vaccines to combat hesitancy. Personal stories from families illustrate the urgent need for vaccination to protect vulnerable individuals. The episode emphasizes herd immunity's role in public health.
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Contagiousness of Measles
- Measles is highly contagious, requiring a 95% vaccination rate for kindergartners to prevent outbreaks.
- Lower vaccination rates create opportunities for rapid spread, as seen in West Texas.
Outbreak Origin
- The outbreak originated in an under-vaccinated Mennonite community in West Texas.
- Due to measles' contagious nature, cases are now appearing in other areas.
Measles Transmission
- Measles spreads through respiratory droplets and can infect 90% of unvaccinated close contacts.
- The virus can also survive in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.