Health officials in Oklahoma have confirmed nine cases of measles among unvaccinated individuals, linked to an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. Urgent calls for vaccination have been made by experts, emphasizing the importance of protection for both individuals and the community. Complications of measles can be severe, including brain damage, deafness, and even death.
Dr. Theresa Horton from the Utica Park Clinic expressed concern over the resurgence of measles, noting the importance of vaccination for control. Measles is a highly contagious virus with symptoms that start as a cold or flu and progress to a telltale rash. To effectively stop the spread in Oklahoma, at least 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated, but currently, the vaccination rate is at approximately 88% for kindergarten students.
The Tulsa Health Department is urging people to know their vaccination status and offering vaccination clinics for those without insurance for just $20. They recommend checking Oklahoma shot records or consulting a healthcare provider to ensure protection. The contagiousness of measles, particularly for the unvaccinated, is highlighted by Dr. Horton, who explains that it can easily spread in a room and linger in the air for up to two hours.
Overall, the importance of vaccination to prevent measles outbreaks and protect public health is paramount, with health officials working to ensure access to immunization for all individuals.
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