An outbreak of measles has hit the United States with certain states being hit harder than others. Measles is an airborne, extremely infectious and potentially severe rash illness. Measles is not a seasonal virus and can often spread over times of high travel like spring break.
Data from the Center of Disease Control shows that there have been 378 confirmed measles cases being reported by 18 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont and Washington.
The CDC also confirmed that those most affected by the virus have been ages under 5 and from ages 5 to 19. The latter range numbered 159 cases.
Most of the reported cases originated in Texas while others are in high traffic areas like New York, California, Florida and Georgia.
The majority of cases are 95% unvaccinated. 17% of those have been hospitalized with 27% in the under 5 age group.
A family in Texas whose child recently died due to measles defends their stance on keeping their child unvaccinated and claims that their other four children had measles and “got over it pretty quickly and that it’s good for the body and can help boost a person’s immune system.”
Despite the unscientific claim, this anti-vaccine stance is supported by Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who founded the Children’s Health Defense, a prominent anti-vaccine group.
Measles vaccination rates have been slowly dropping while cases have been steadily rising.
Health experts are warning those not yet vaccinated to get immunized to prevent the spread of the disease. Less than 5% infected by measles had the first or both vaccine doses.
The Georgia vaccination form is the standardized form for Georgia schools, day cares and healthcare providers. Parents need to provide Georgia Immunization Certificate (Form 3231) to their child’s school or childcare to show their child has been vaccinated against certain preventable diseases.
“The day care requires all the vaccines that Georgia requires. There’s a form that Georgia requires for vaccinations that we have to follow by. We have to have proof of vaccinations before the child can attend our day care.” – Therese Dempsey, Director of Stepping Stones Child Care
