After successfully battling smallpox in 1971, the poliomyelitis in 1994, the rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in 2015, the United States is proud to have eradicated the measles through vaccination, according to a press release from the Pan American Health Organization. This viral disease was eradicated from the continent after a 22-year effort, involving mass vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella.
“This is a historic day for our region and the whole world,” said Carissa Etienne, Director of PAHO. “It is proof of the remarkable success that can be achieved when countries work together in solidarity towards a common goal. . It is the result of a commitment made more than two decades ago in 1994, when the countries of the Americas pledged to end measles in the 21st century”.
Maintaining immunity through measles vaccination
The measles is one of the most contagious diseases that mainly affects children. It is transmitted by airborne droplets or by direct contact with secretions from the nose, mouth and throat of infected people. Symptoms include high fever, generalized rash all over the body, and stuffy nose. It can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, diarrhea severe, ear infections and pneumoniaespecially in children with nutritional problems and in immunocompromised patients.
“To maintain measles elimination, we recommend that all countries in the Americas strengthen active surveillance and maintain the immunity of their populations through vaccination,” conclude PAHO and the World Health Organization.
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