The number of measles infections through March 15 surpassed the total cases from last year, health officials confirmed today. Sixty people across 17 states have become ill from the virus. The vast majority of cases are individuals who did not receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). If exposed to the virus, two doses of the MMR vaccine reduces your risk of infection by 97 percent. On the other hand, 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people will become sick if exposed. Measles is not only extremely contagious but dangerous. Measles causes complications in up to 30% of kids it infects. For example, young children can suffer an ear infection resulting in permanent deafness. They can also experience diarrhea, pneumonia and swelling of the brain (encephalitis). About 1 in 4 children infected will need to be hospitalized. The recent slew of outbreaks is fueled by falling childhood vaccination rates.
Full Story: CBS News, Infectious Disease Advisor
