Measles Immunization: A Superhero Shield for Our Kids (and Us!)

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## Remember those childhood days spent hiding under the covers, feverish and itchy with measles? Thankfully, for most of us, those memories are just that – memories. This dramatic decline in measles cases is thanks to a real-life superhero: measles immunization.

Measles immunization, usually delivered through the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, is a powerful shield against a highly contagious and potentially dangerous disease. Before widespread vaccination programs began in the 1960s, measles was a common childhood illness, affecting millions each year. But measles isn't just a rash and a fever. It can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.

That's where the MMR vaccine swoops in. This safe and effective vaccine trains your body to recognize and fight off the measles virus. The CDC recommends a two-dose schedule for children: the first dose between 12 and 15 months, and the second between 4 and 6 years old. This two-dose approach offers nearly 97% protection against measles!

Measles immunization isn't just for kids, though. Adults who haven't been vaccinated or haven't received both doses are also susceptible. Healthcare workers, international travelers, and anyone who might come into contact with the virus should consider getting vaccinated.

Here's the coolest part: measles immunization isn't just about protecting yourself. It also helps achieve herd immunity. This means that when enough people in a community are immunized, it creates a barrier that makes it harder for the virus to spread, even protecting those who can't be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

So, the next time you see a child getting their MMR vaccine, think of them as a tiny superhero in training. With measles immunization as their shield, they're not just protecting themselves, but also helping to keep their community safe and healthy. Pretty powerful stuff for a little shot, wouldn't you say? 

What is the first measles vaccine called?

The first licensed measles vaccine wasn't given a specific name. It was developed in the 1960s and used a weakened strain of the measles virus called the Edmonston-B strain, named after David Edmonston from whom the virus was isolated.  

However, the weakened strain used in the vaccine is now referred to as the Edmonston-Enders strain, honoring both David Edmonston and Dr. John Enders who played a key role in developing the vaccine. 

Measles mortality rate before vaccine

The measles mortality rate before the vaccine was quite high. Here's a breakdown:

*Globally:*

Estimates suggest over **100 million cases** resulted in **6 million deaths** worldwide annually [1].

*United States:*

It's estimated that **3-4 million people** contracted measles each year, with **400-500 deaths** among reported cases [2]. 

This translates to a mortality rate of **around 1 in 10,000** reported cases. 

**Important to note:**

* These are estimates, and underreporting of cases likely means the actual mortality rate was even higher. 
* Some studies suggest a rate as high as **2.83 deaths per 1,000 cases** [3].

**In comparison:**

* Due to widespread vaccination, measles deaths are incredibly rare in developed countries today.

Here are some sources for further reading:

* [1] National Institutes of Health (NCBI): Inpatient morbidity and mortality of measles in the United States:



* [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): History of Measles:


* [3] UnityPoint Health: Seriously, How Deadly Is Measles?:


Source 😀 Gemini 

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