A recent report (JR Zucker et al. NEJM 2020; 382: 1009-17) highlights an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease, measles.  Measles is much more contagious than the recent coronavirus; this is one reason why a vaccine is so crucial.

In total, there were 649 cases confirmed –most of the cases were in a close-knit community in Brooklyn, NY.  86% of the cases with a known vaccination history occurred in those who were unvaccinated. 49 required hospitalization.  The cost to the Department of Health was $8.4 million.

My take:  The health consequences and cost of not preventing measles is staggering -though being eclipsed by the coronavirus pandemic.  The toll in Europe has been much higher.  Worldwide more than 140,000 died from measles in 2018.

Related blog posts:

• Measles Outbreak
• “Because It Doesn’t Just Happen to Other People …
• Tweets: Measles in Samoa, NAFLD, Infusion Issues, WIC Helping Obesity, Pediatric Data on Liver Stiffness, Peanut Allergy Prevention
• More Measles Cases -Here’s the Data | gutsandgrowth
• Vaccine Safety -Put into Perspective | gutsandgrowth
• Life and Limb: The Price of Not Vaccinating Children …
• Why Rich Kids Get Measles More Often in the U.S. | gutsandgrowth
• Parental Immunity (to Education) and Vaccine Decision-Making …
• Live longer -don’t take your vitamins? | gutsandgrowth
• Measles, Seizures and Sometimes Death due to Vaccine Delays and Avoidance
• Measles & Obesity Tweets

From Georgia Department of Health: COVID-19 Status Report

It is important to understand that some data, particularly in the last 2 weeks, may not be reported yet.

Related blog post (April 24): Why Georgia Isn’t Ready to Reopen