The global resurgence of measles cases has raised concerns among healthcare providers in New Hampshire regarding below-average vaccination rates in the state. The largest measles outbreak is currently centered around the United Kingdom, where 42,000 cases were reported from 2022 to 2023. While the situation in the United States has not reached critical levels, there have been 58 reported cases nationwide this year, matching the total number reported for the entire previous year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Martha Wassell, the manager of infection control at Wentworth Douglass Hospital, emphasized the highly contagious nature of measles, stating that the disease can begin with symptoms such as a runny nose and cough, which then progress to a rash across the body. For those who are not vaccinated, measles can lead to severe and even fatal complications, making it critical for the public to be aware of the dangers associated with the disease.

Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist, stressed the importance of vaccination as an effective method of protection against measles. It is estimated that more than 99% of individuals who receive the measles vaccine will be safeguarded. Typically administered in childhood, two doses of the vaccine offer lifelong protection. However, the vaccination rates for measles have declined in recent years. The latest annual report from the state Department of Health and Human Services indicates that New Hampshire kindergarteners have a vaccination rate below the recommended 95%, standing at under 89%.

In 2000, the CDC declared that measles had been eradicated in the United States. However, as vaccination rates have dropped, cases of the disease have resurfaced. Wassell highlighted the need for more children to be vaccinated, as the current trend leaves many young children unprotected. While New Hampshire has not reported any measles cases since 2011, healthcare professionals urge the public not to become complacent. The disease poses significant risks for the unvaccinated, and with the global numbers on the rise, it is uncertain whether New Hampshire will remain unaffected.

Ultimately, the decision to vaccinate or not lies with parents, according to healthcare providers. Nonetheless, they emphasize the potential dangers associated with not vaccinating. It is crucial for parents to recognize the importance of protecting their children from measles and to take appropriate action to ensure their safety.