Measles Research Papers

Morbillivirus measles virus (measles), though present in the rest of the world, has been completely eradicated in the Western Hemisphere. Being such a contagious disease, one would think that eliminating it completely would be close to impossible. Measles is a disease that created a wave of negative impacts, opened doors for medical advancements, and created a unique set of symptoms. It is estimated 3 to 4 million people in the United States were infected each year. It was also a reported 400 to 500 deaths each year, 48,000 were hospitalized, and 4,000 suffered encephalitis (swelling of the brain) from measles. Some deaths are a direct result of symptoms of measles and not the disease. Although untreated the disease is still deadly. It is estimated the annual death toll is 89,780 for the entire world. It is still highly common in developing countries, although it has been almost completely eradicated in more modern countries. It is still a very deadly disease even though a vaccine has been developed. …show more content…
In order for herd immunity to happen about 95% of the US population need to be vaccinated. This is why there are still Measles caused deaths in 1st world countries. With the initial release of the vaccine in 1963, measles cases fell by a factor of 15 or more. In the mid 1970s with increased uptake of the vaccine these cases fell into the thousands. Serious complications with the disease are much more likely in children under the age of 6, making it crucial for children to be vaccinated at a very young age. Adults wont be immune but are much less likely to suffer from life threatening complications. Measles has some very serious symptoms that untreated can be deadly. Many medical advancements make it not as severe, but only in 1st world