Measles Returns: Health Officials Urge Vaccination

By Y.M. Lowy

Measles, one of the most contagious diseases, is resurging in New York and across the U.S. Health officials are urging parents to vaccinate their children to prevent further spread. 

Recent outbreaks in New Jersey, and New York have led to rising concerns. New York City has reported two cases this year in infants under 12 months who were too young for the MMR vaccine. In Texas, an unvaccinated child died which became the first measles death in the U.S. in a decade. 

Measles spreads through the air and can remain contagious for hours, infecting 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed. The virus causes symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and a red rash, and can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and death. 

The CDC recommends children receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose between ages 4 and 6. 

New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald emphasized the importance of vaccination, warning, “If we don’t learn from history, we’re doomed to repeat it.”