695 cases of measles have so far been found in the united states in what has grown into the largest outbreak since it is contagious virus, which can cause blindness and brain damage, was considered to be eradicated in the country at the turn of the millennium.
The reported case is above all centred around the orthodox jewish areas of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York.
Authorities have partially claimed the outbreak of an increasing distrust of the vaccine that worsened immunitetsnivån in some groups. According to the world health organization (WHO) created a ”herd immunity” if 95% of the population is vaccinated, and according to the U.S. national folkhälsomyndighet the CDC, a dose of the vaccine generally give a 93% protection, while a second dose raises the level to 97 percent.
over time. The CDC therefore recommends people to check their vaccinationsstatus and to consider taking a new dose if they are in utbrottsdrabbade areas.
To check when and how many times they vaccinated themselves, however, can be difficult, as many were vaccinated many years ago.
– It is complex and often in vain, because it is very difficult to re-establish the old archives, ” says dr. William Schaffner, infektionsexpert at Vanderbilt university in Nashville, told Reuters.
Mässlingvaccin provides good protection, especially for children, but the effect may diminish over time, and some in the united states may believe themselves to be better protected than they actually are. Arkivbild. Photo: George Frey/
People vaccinated in the united states since 1989, according to Reuters, most likely received two active doses, which are still considered to be adequate protection, and people born before 1957 are estimated to have a natural immunity through direct exposure of the previously mässlingsutbrott.
between 1963 and 1989, however, probably only a protective dose in the body, then the early syringes contained an inactive version of the virus.
Even the level of immunity goes to investigate via a blood test, but these are not fully reliable. Anyone who has the slightest doubt about its active protection should, therefore, get vaccinated again, according to William Schaffner.
– It is safe, there are no risks. Just roll up your sleeve, ” he says to Reuters.
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