Measles vaccine is critical to save lives, prevent outbreaks

Dear editor: I first saw a child die from measles in 1986 in Guatemala. Immunization efforts had not reached enough children to prevent measles spread. An otherwise healthy 16-month-old child was rushed into the clinic in her father’s arms. She was unresponsive, feverish, and struggling to breathe, with the classic measles rash and white spots in her mouth. We gave her IV fluids and antibiotics, but she died soon after arriving. We sat with her parents, holding their dying child, my supervisor and myself feeling helpless — able only to observe the unimaginable grief of their loss.

Measles vaccination was started in 1963 in the U.S. when there were 500,000 cases of measles per year, resulting in 500 deaths per year. Worldwide, measles was killing 2 million children per year at that time. By 1967, there were fewer than 20,000 cases of measles per year in the U.S. By the year 2000, measles was considered eradicated in the U.S., as there had been no sustained outbreaks.

Since measles has been absent from our lived experience, it is hard for us to be afraid of it.

Measles is highly contagious. It is caused by a virus. There is no treatment for measles. The measles virus remains in the air after an infected person leaves the room for at least two hours. An infected person will infect 90% of the unvaccinated people with whom they come in contact.

The virus can cause inflammation of the brain. This can cause death, permanent seizures, blindness, or deafness.

However, measles vaccine is extremely effective, with 93% of measles infections prevented after one dose, and 97% prevented after the second dose. Immunity to measles after vaccination is lifelong. The measles vaccine is safe. Vaccines save far more lives and are far safer than any other form of medication.

The immunization rate to prevent measles spread in a community is 95%.

In Bayfield County, 70% of 2-year olds have received one dose of vaccine; 67% of 5- to 6-year olds have received two doses. In Ashland County, 78% of 2-year-olds have received one dose; 74% of 5- to 6-year olds have received two doses.

The measles outbreak in Texas and surrounding states has now infected more than 590 people and taken three lives, two children and one adult. Dozens of children have required hospitalization. We know that nearly all of the infections have occurred in unvaccinated people.

Parents need to have complete and accurate information about potential risks to any vaccine, along with the benefits. Please contact your primary care provider or your county public health department for more information or to schedule a vaccine appointment Finally, if you would like to schedule a time to discuss any questions you have about vaccines free of charge, please contact me: ann.reitz@cheqnet.net.

Ann Reitz, MD Port Wing