An outbreak of measles in Philadelphia is growing larger.
The outbreak appears to havebegun in early Decemberat the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.
The child then sparked a new chain of infection there.
A characteristic example of the rash caused by measles infection.Image: phichet chaiyabin (Shutterstock)
Of the eight previous cases, all were unvaccinated, while six were hospitalized but later discharged.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very effective at preventing infection from measles.
To this day, national vaccination coverage of the MMR shot remains high.
Flagging vaccination rates around the world have led to the resurgence of measles in places where it was diminishing.
And even the U.S has faced thevery real possibilityof the disease being a local threat again.
Measles isnt especially deadly, but it can be more life-threatening to younger children.
Other serious complicationsincludepneumonia, encephalitis, and the possible loss of immunity to other infectious diseases.
But the citys health officials have begun to host free vaccination drives in response to the outbreaks.
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