California has reported 17 measles cases in 2023, surpassing all of 2022, highlighting a significant national health outbreak. Measles, preventable through vaccination, is spreading among individuals unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unclear. With a death rate of 1 in every 500 to 1,000 cases, public health officials are stressing that measles is not just a mild illness. The resurgence is partly fueled by anti-vaccine sentiments influencing policies around childhood immunizations.
"Measles is completely preventable," Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, told The Times.
Dr. Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, stated, "This is not just a mild childhood disease." Measles poses a serious health threat.
The MMR shots, which also protect against mumps and rubella, have long faced criticism from anti-vaccine activists, which influence U.S. immunization policies.
According to federal data, more than 145 individuals have been hospitalized with measles this year, with many requiring intensive care.
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