Yellow fever virus (YFV), a close relative of Zika virus and transmitted by the same type of mosquito, is the cause of an often-fatal viral hemorrhagic fever and could spread via air travel from endemic areas in Africa to cause international epidemics. The recent reemergence and spread of YFV in Africa and Asia and the dire shortage of YFV vaccine … Read More
Misconceptions About Vaccinations
With all the information available on vaccines, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions about vaccines. Do vaccines cause autism? No. Scientists have studied this for years, in large groups of children, and have found no evidence that there is any link between vaccines and autism. There is … Read More
How do you Prevent #measles?
It’s simple: Get vaccinated. You get two doses of the MMR vaccine. Children usually get the first dose when they are 12 months old, and a second before kindergarten. On its web site, the CDC calls the vaccine “very effective” and states that “one dose is about 93% effective at preventing measles and two doses about 97% effective.” Before the … Read More
What are the Symptoms of Measles?
What are the first symptoms, and how quickly do they usually show up? People usually get a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes first. Within a few days, a red rash starts on the face and can spread to the rest of the body. If you notice those signs, tell your doctor right away. What are the possible complications? … Read More
What is Measles?
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It can have life-threatening complications. The CDC calls it the “most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses.” It spreads easily, but the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent it. The CDC recommends that all children, and some adults, get the MMR vaccine. The U.S. declared measles eliminated from the nation in 2000, … Read More
Let’s Talk About Ebola
News this morning is that there is an Ebola Vaccine Trial starting today in Liberia. This is great news for the people in Central and West Africa. Fewer than 100 cases were reported last week, which has not happened since June of 2014. This outbreak was the worst that the world has ever seen. For further information on the Ebola … Read More