Measles

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease preventable by vaccination, is experiencing a resurgence in the Americas. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a warning about a 'sharp increase' in cases, with Mexico and the US reporting thousands of cases last year, threatening their measles elimination status. In South Carolina, a significant outbreak has grown to 185 cases, prompting concerns about vaccination rates. This outbreak follows a year where the US recorded its highest number of annual measles cases in over three decades. Adding to the concern in South Carolina is the fact that hospitals are not required to report measles-related admissions, leading to potential underreporting of the severity of the illness and hindering real-time data availability for doctors. The medical community widely agrees that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective in preventing measles.