Measles Outbreak 2008
In 2008, the highly-contagious viral disease measles broke out across the U.S. From the beginning of May to July 17, 127 people in 15 states had been affected. Many of those who contracted measles, were not vaccinated against it.1 The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe the outbreak can be traced back to travelers who became infected in other countries and then returned to the U.S.1
Fast Facts
- U.K. also experiencing a measles outbreak
- The U.K. attributes its outbreak to parents declining vaccines for their children
- MMR vaccine program was implemented in 19631
- MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella
- Some parents oppose vaccinations out of fear that it may cause autism1
- Last outbreak in U.S: 1997 with 138 cases of measles
- Last major outbreak in U.S: Between 1989 and 1991 with 55,000 people infected and 123 deaths1
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