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As child measles case reported in Delaware, what families should know
Delawareonline.com • • health
Key Points:
- Delaware declared a measles outbreak in late July after confirming eight cases, mostly in unvaccinated individuals, with all cases located in Kent County as of August 4.
- Measles is highly contagious, with each infected person likely to spread the virus to about 18 susceptible individuals, significantly more than diseases like COVID-19 or the flu.
- The most vulnerable are children who cannot yet be vaccinated, highlighting the community risk posed by unvaccinated individuals.
- The measles vaccine is about 97% effective over a lifetime with the two-dose schedule, significantly reducing severity and spread despite some breakthrough cases.
- Measles can cause severe complications and even death, especially in children, and its resurgence nationwide raises public health concerns due to its high contagion and potential long-term effects.
