As most of us know, measles seem to be all over our nation's news. The latest case, outbreak, and possible movement of this virus are closely monitored and immediately put on our televisions. The fact that this topic in the USA started in everyone's favorite theme park can cause the average American to panic when seeing kids get those red spots on their faces. The virus is spreading in our nation, but how serious can it get?
Compared to other countries, the current status is just a dot next to a circle. According to Disneyland measles outbreak continues to spread, 57,000 cases were found in the Philippines compared to less than one hundred here within two months. In addition, measles are not as life threatening as the news displays it. "Measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat, and is followed by a rash that spreads all over the body. About three out of 10 people who get measles will develop one or more complications including pneumonia, ear infections, or diarrhea. Complications are more common in adults and young children," according to the CDC website. Measles can be controlled. Several vaccines and shots have been made to treat the virus. The numbers are just large in other countries because of a weaker infrastructure compared to the USA. The USA has controlled the virus in the past and can do it again.
Measles is not the next ebola. Compared to the devastation ebola has caused, this is nothing. According to the CDC, only one out of one thousand people will actually die from measles. There are not even a thousand people in the USA with measles. The chances of getting measles is extremely low with today's vaccines and the chance of this creating a national disaster is even lower.
I read your title and immediately thought, "Next Ebola? As in the virus that will be a distant and forgotten memory in two months?" Measles just seems to be a hot topic, just like ebola and swine flu have been in the past. I agree with what you said in your post, measles won't become an epidemic, and it isn't something that we all should worry about.
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