At The Puck Drop, we bring you the latest news on the confirmed measles outbreak at an elementary school in Weston, Florida. Family physician and public health specialist Dr. George Rust had previously warned about the potential for such an outbreak due to vaccine hesitancy in the community.
With at least six cases reported in the past week, the Florida Surgeon General has left the decision to stay home for up to 21 days after exposure to measles up to parents, contradicting CDC guidance. While excluding unvaccinated children during an outbreak can reduce the risk of the virus spreading, parents still have the choice to send their unvaccinated children to school.
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to complications and even death. Experts recommend the MMR vaccine in two doses, but nationwide vaccination levels are currently below the federal target of 95%. This has led to measles cases emerging in several states this year, with 35 cases reported by 15 jurisdictions.
The decrease in vaccination rates during the pandemic, along with vaccine hesitancy, has contributed to the resurgence of measles. The virus can spread through the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it highly contagious. In fact, 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed are likely to catch measles, while vaccinated individuals are 97% protected.
It is crucial for parents to ensure their children are vaccinated to prevent the spread of measles and protect the community. Stay informed with The Puck Drop for more updates on this developing story.
