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With measles making a small comeback in the United States, it helps to know what we’re up against.
Dr. Yoginder Yadav Chief Medical Officer at WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital, said the measles virus is the most contagious virus that medical professionals know of.
The virus will stay in your system for nearly two weeks before displays upper respiratory infection-like symptoms, and after a few days will transition into a rash that begins behind the ears.
He said there’s a reason we’re seeing outbreaks now, though.
“So, the measles outbreak that is reported in Texas, New Mexico, and now in Oklahoma was in a community that was under-vaccinated. And that largely is a reason that the disease is spreading with more than 200 cases now reported. So, the key here is maintaining more than 95% vaccination rate in your community. That’s considered the adequate vaccination rate. Once you fall below 95% vaccination rate, the communities will start seeing sporadic measles outbreaks,” said Dr. Yadav.
He said prevention is the best course of action because there is no cure for measles.
Once you contract the disease, it has to run its course.
He said those especially at risk are the young, the old, and the immuno-compromised.