Measles Strikes with Highest Record Since 2001
The word “epidemic” might be a little strong, but the statistics are certainly worthy of noticing. “The Detroit News,” has reported that four of the 64 cases of measles reported this year, occurred in Michigan. Two families were affected making these the highest outbreak of measles since 2001.
“Measles is a very contagious virus. If it is not under control, a significant outbreak can occur and the best way to prevent an outbreak is to get immunized. If a child, or an adult for that matter, is not immunized, they will be at a great risk of getting sick. All of the people who had measles in Michigan for the past eight years were not immunized, so the vaccination does work.”
James McCurtis, Jr., Michigan Health Department
The Michigan measles cases brought the total to 64 as of May 1, and according to news reports in February, 2008, another outbreak of the disease began in San Diego. A report said that 12 children were confirmed with measles at the end of February, with another 70 children being monitored as possibly infected.
Other areas include:
“During January 1–April 25, 2008, a total of 64 preliminary confirmed measles cases were reported from the following areas: New York City (22 cases), Arizona (15), California (12), Michigan and Wisconsin (four each), Hawaii (three), and Illinois, New York state, Pennsylvania, and Virginia (one each).”
CDC
The vast bulk of the cases of measles reported show the lack of the measles vaccine. Much of the controversy around the measles vaccine is the concern about vaccinations and autism. Although no connection has been proven, many parents continue to insist that their child’s autism was caused by vaccinations given before the age of two, including the measles vaccine.
The CDC has prepared a very thorough explanation of the measles vaccine for concerned parents. Included on this page:
- Information about measles
- Information about the vaccine to prevent measles
- Explanations of various beliefs about vaccines and the autism theory
- General vaccination safety
- Who should and should not receive a vaccination
- Resources for both patients and physicians
As always, with any medical treatment, it is risk vs. benefit. But considering the seriousness of the measles infection, it is a topic everyone should research carefully and understand so that an informed disease about vaccination can be made. And as always, make decisions about healthcare, with your physician!
CDC Report - Measles — United States, January 1–April 25, 2008
San Diego Measles Outbreak Growing
Measles Outbreak 2008 - Get The Facts
CDC - 2008 Measles Update for Travelers
Handwashing Prevents Colds and Flu
Most of us know that cold and flu season is upon us; it seems everyone I know has a cold, bronchitis, or pneumonia. And of course the assorted laundry list of ear infections, tonsillitis, and sinus infections are in plentiful supply as well. Some of these infections are viral and some are bacterial. Some of them are inevitable; someone inadvertently sneezes in your face at the grocery store and they have a cold starting, your going to get it. But did you know that most of the infections, viral or bacterial, that we spread around in the community are avoidable?
How? By handwashing.
Most infections are caused by direct contact. The vast majority of the viruses and bacteria we encounter that make us sick, are not airborne. There is a common misconception about what an airborne contagion is and once you understand the difference between airborne and direct contact, you can avoid catching a lot of the things “going around.”
Most diseases are transmitted by methods such as a sneeze or a cough. They are direct contact because the germs are in the droplets which rest upon a surface, on the skin, or are directly inhaled or ingested. They then are “caught” by the next victim who gets sick from the exposure. Basically that is how a cold is transferred from one person to another. The subsequent ear and sinus infections, bronchitis, and most pneumonias are secondary infections; that is why two people can catch the same cold but one will develop an ear infection and the other will display the symptoms of bronchitis.
An airborne disease travels through moving currents of air and are comparatively rare. I am not an epidemiologist, and the study of airborne diseases is very complex and far too intensive for our purposes, but these are not the diseases that are contagious like colds and flu. One notable exception is Chicken Pox which once appearing in a community spreads very quickly. Tuberculosis is also an airborne disease but the contagion factors are quite different and involve several factors.
Back to handwashing. If most of the everyday colds and flus, and the complicating secondary infections that come along with them, are not airborne and are spread by direct contact, it follows that it is very easy to prevent these infections by consistent, thorough, and complete handwashing techniques. It is the simplest and the least expensive method of infection control that exists. It is also one of the most overlooked methods.
The Hand Hygiene Resource Center has been set up to teach people the appropriate method of handwashing. Effective handwashing can help contain infections and is the first step in protecting yourself and your family from the colds and flu spreading around your community. There are instructional materials on the site as well as a slide show that can be used to teach groups of people. The site also links to the CDC’s guidelines on handwashing for a complete resource to a healthier winter and flu season!